Nicolas Feuillatte, Palmes d'Or 2006

Description

About the Producer

NNicolas Feuillatte is a brand and conglomerate of grape growers known as the Centre Vinicole – Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte (CV-CNF) and is one of the most popular Champagne brands on the market. The founder Nicolas Feuillatte initially came to winemaking in the 1970s, with the purchase of some land in the AOC Champagne area. In 1976, his father bequeathed him a vineyard in Boulese, which consequently led to the establishment of the Nicolas Feuillatte brand in 1980. Taking a departure from his contemporaries, Feuillatte focused on creating a softer-tasting Champagne with a reduced acidity that would appeal to a wider market. The popularity of the Nicolas Feuillatte brand quickly grew, largely bolstered by the endorsement of key public figures at the time including Princess Diana and Jackie Kennedy. The success of the brand's first vintages were evident and, in order to increase production levels, Feuillatte joined together with 4000 other growers. In 1986, Feuillatte sold his business to form the CV-CNF, which at the time consisted of 5000 growers. The CV-CNF now has access to more than 2250 hectares (5560 acres), encompassing 13 grand cru vineyards, 33 premier cru and others from the Champagne appellation. Grapes are hand-picked and include three varieties: Chardonnay (25 percent), Pinot Noir (25 percent) and Pinot Meunier (50 percent). The central production facility is located in Chouilly, with a capacity of up to 304,000 hectoliters (30.4 million liters). The site is modern and is fitted with stainless steel tanks, a gyropalette riddling system and disgorging facilities. The aging process for the non-vintage Brut Champagnes takes up to three years. In the case of the vintage Brut, the Champagne is allowed to age in barrels for up to five years, but this can extended to between 8-10 years for the Palmes d'Or labels.