Michel Arnould Verzenay Extra Brut Champagne

Michel Arnould Verzenay Extra Brut Champagne SKU #1058450

Price: $39.99

Add To Waiting List

Tasting Notes

Although not labeled as a vintage, this is based entirely on 2010 juice. It is 100% Pinot Noir from Verzenay, the northernmost of all the Grand Crus in this northernmost of French wine regions. The whole village faces north, the wrong way, away from the sun, and yet miraculously ripens Pinot Noir, the most difficult Champagne variety to ripen perfectly. Some say it's because of a meteor that in prehistoric times hit the area that is now the village, creating the faux de Verzenay, a forest where the trees bend and fold in on themselves like a dark wood in The Lord of the Rings. Pair this wine as an apéritif with a smoked salmon appetizer, or even with sashimi.

Staff Reviews

By: Diana Turk
1/26/2018
K&L Staff Member

Clear lemon fruit on the nose, with a stream of salinity through to the finish, the Michel Arnould Extra Brut is based on the 2010 harvest, a vintage celebrated for creating more linear Champagne. Although this is 100% Pinot Noir and Blanc de blancs is typically the favored suggestion for fish, the Extra Brut is a natural with sushi, especially yellowtail and snapper, which benefits from the sharper acid and low dosage. As a bonus, the Extra Brut's crisp yet easygoing style (it is still a berry-scented Pinot) not only works with food, but as a lively pre-dinner drink if you’re not-so-patiently waiting on delivery.
By: David Othenin-Girard
4/25/2014
K&L Staff Member

This lovely dry extra brut is perfect for ringing in the Spring. The minerality is bracing and magnificent. Lot's of white berries and chalk. Surprising balance despite the overt dryness.
By: Gary Westby
11/9/2013
K&L Staff Member

Last night, Cinnamon and I had such a great experinece with our sushi and Chamapgne that I had to write about it. The Arnould started off on the austere side before the first bite of food, but with the sushi it was magic. It did particularly well with the ultra rich Akasaka roll, providing a clean foil to the deep fried tempura shrimp, eel and avocado bonanza. The fish brought out the hazelnut character that makes Champagne from this north facing cru so special and the completely dry finish refreshed the palate with every sip. This is going to be a repeat bottle with sushi for sure!