The recent release of the 2015 Armand de Brignac Blanc de Noirs has created buzz in the world of Champagne, showcasing the brand’s first Vintage offering. Until now, Armand de Brignac has only produced Multi-Vintage blends, similar to other premium brands. The decision to launch a Vintage cuvée was driven by the incredible quality of the 2015 harvest, which was noted for its exceptional conditions: a dry spring followed by beneficial rain in mid-August, ensuring optimal ripeness.
Jasmin Allen, the brand’s president and CEO, stated that when the winemaking team saw potential during this harvest, they were inspired to explore the possibilities of a Vintage Champagne. Alexandre Cattier, representing the winery, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the vintage’s superb Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes, suggesting that it rivals other renowned vintages, such as 2012 and 2018.
Armand de Brignac is famously known for its extravagant branding, including its glitzy metallic bottles and celebrity endorsements, particularly the association with Jay-Z. This glittering facade often overshadows the wine’s actual quality. Nonetheless, the Champagne is recognized as remarkably well-crafted, standing proudly among top-tier cuvées produced in the Montagne de Reims region.
The newly released Blanc de Noirs 2015 is exclusive to magnums, allowing for more profound aging potential. This inaugural release is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Meunier and was carefully crafted with a dosage of 6g/l. It is characterized by its mid-gold color and delicate bubbles, with flavors of stone fruit and a creamy finish. With only 1,258 magnums produced, it demonstrates the brand’s commitment to limited releases that emphasize exclusivity and collectibility.
While the pricing of Armand de Brignac may exceed that of competitors like Dom Pérignon or Krug, it reflects the meticulous winemaking process that includes using only the finest portion of the cuvée and lavish presentation features such as metal-coated bottles and hand-applied labels. Moving forward, it will be intriguing to see how Armand de Brignac continues to navigate the balance between its luxurious branding and the quality of its wines, particularly as it embarks on producing more Vintage offerings.
For those interested, further details about the 2015 Armand de Brignac Blanc de Noirs can be found here: World Of Fine Wine – Armand de Brignac.