Michel Arnould "Réserve" Grand Cru Verzenay Brut Champagne

Staff Reviews

DT

Diana Turk

Diana Turk

Creamy and sophisticated with solid minerality, this is classic Verzenay: qualities of hazelnut and cherry shine through, with a richness that almost defies its stainless and enamel aging. The great price makes this Grand Cru beauty go down even easier, and we even have it in magnums! Every single person I've ever poured this for has been impressed (and I open a lot of Champagne). I love all the Michel Arnould offerings, but this sub-$35 number is the perfect party-pleasing true Champagne.

JS

John Sumners

John Sumners

Baked green apple, tart berry, and deep citrus tones lead the way in this richly flavored treat. Accents of nougat, hazelnut, pie crust, and wet stone round out the package. This is a spectacular value in the high-priced world of Grand Cru Champagne. Long, flavor-packed, classy, and impeccably focused, there are no rough edges. Forget your big-house NV Brut…this fabulously priced bubbly should be your new go-to.

AS

Alex Schroeder

Alex Schroeder

I love to compare this to Veuve Clicquot. They both have roughly the same Pinot/Chardonnay percentages, but that’s where the similarities stop. Arnould Reserve is a family made wine, with entirely estate fruit, entirely from Grand Cru vines, aged a full 3 1/2 years. At nearly half the price. This is one of those wines that has an eye-widening effect after the first sip. Bright bing cherry, gala apples, honey and a touch of smoke on the nose, nutty brioche integrated throughout. The grand cru power of the fruit is lifted perfectly by brisk minerals and the nutty fruity finish just goes on and on. You want to know what the fuss about grower champagne is? Here it is, under $35!

Notes

If you have enjoyed the wines of Lallement, Bollinger, and Krug in the past, I think you will very much enjoy Michel Arnould. They are bold, masculine Champagnes with plenty of toasty flavor. This is a blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, entirely from estate vineyards in the Grand Cru of Verzenay. This is a great party Champagne, since it is full of flavor yet refreshing and moreish. The hazelnut Pinot character, so unique to the village of Verzenay, is pronounced in this wine, and many good tasters have mistaken it for barrel fermentation (it is actually all stainless and enamel fermented) when presented the wine blind. The texture is full and the bead is refined. In short, this is a Champagne that you will be proud to serve to your guests, or perhaps not too proud to save for yourself! (Gary Westby, K&L Champagne Buyer)