Pol Roger Brut Reserve N.V.

TASTING NOTES FROM THE CURATOR

With its beautiful gold color, its delicate aroma, and its fine bubbles, it’s easy to see why the Pol Roger Brut Reserve is one of the best champagnes in the world.

This stunning cuvee is made with equal parts pinot noir (which gives structure and body), pinot meunier (which brings freshness and fruitiness), and chardonnay (which lends it its aromatic complexity, lightness, and elegance).

Aged for four years in the Pol Roger cellars, it gives notes of green apple and peach, with hints of brioche and biscuit, finishing off with suggestions of citrus, lemon and lime.

PREPARATION AND PAIRINGS

This is a champagne for all occasions, and remarkable as an aperitif. Toast to good times over a plate of mild and soft cheeses, like gruyere, halloumi, feta, and camembert.

Or have it during meal times. It would be magnificent paired with fresh oysters. We suggest the Tarbouriech Speciale, to truly heighten the experience. Or a plate of freshly made creamy mushroom risotto, or even a lobster dish.

Grab a glass to sip along with a lemon tart or a dark chocolate mousse for dessert.

A STORY OF PERSEVERANCE

Pol Roger put up his business in around 1849, under slightly desperate circumstances. His father had contracted an incurable disease, and could no longer continue his notary practice. Early on, Pol Roger knew that he wanted to focus on the production of brut Champagne. The brand had gained sizeable recognition by the time the founder died in 1899.

Despite part of their cellars collapsing in 1900, and the rise of The Prohibition in the United States in the 1920’s, Pol Roger Champagne persevered, and kept on, and enjoyed good sales in many countries.

Winston Churchill’s support and praise for the brand helped its reputation and sales considerably post-war. And from the year 2000, Pol Roger Champagne has only grown, adopting more expansive sales strategies, and launching new cuvees, cementing its 160-year reputation as one of the leading champagne brands.

Fine sparkling wine must be handled with care. For short-term storage (a few days to a month), you can keep your bottle upright—but away from bright or artificial light. For long-term storage, especially for vintage cuvées, you must store the bottles on their side in a wine rack or cellar to keep the cork from drying out. The ideal temperature for storage is between 7 to 10°C. Once opened, a bottle will be good for 1 to 3 days standing upright in the refrigerator.