Alfred Gratien remains one of Champagne’s great under-the-radar historic houses, and the 2018 Cuvée Paradis Blanc de Blancs is a great example of their top cuvée from a vintage that is shaping up to be fantastic for Champagne. Founded in Épernay in 1864, Gratien has maintained a remarkably traditional approach: only the first pressing is used, the wines are vinified separately in small 228-liter oak barrels, and malolactic fermentation is completely blocked to preserve acidity, freshness and long-term aging potential. The 2018 Paradis is particularly exciting, produced from 100% Chardonnay sourced exclusively from the Grand Cru villages of Chouilly, Cramant, Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger. It is a beautifully complete expression of the vintage, combining the generosity and concentration of 2018 with the tension and precision that define Alfred Gratien. The nose opens with lemongrass and exotic fruit, followed by vanilla and ginger, then gradually expands into almond, jasmine, subtle pastry, and an intriguing iodine-and-sea-spray character. On the palate, the wine has great texture, but remains remarkably airy and energetic, with a fine, persistent mousse, integrated oak, and mouthwatering acidity that keep everything in balance. The finish is long and savory, with chalky minerality and a subtle menthol-like bitterness that adds further complexity. With several years of lees aging already behind it, the 2018 is drinking beautifully today, yet its freshness and structure suggest a very long life ahead. As more of the top 2018 Champagnes reach the market, it is becoming increasingly clear just how successful this vintage was, and Paradis is a terrific example at a fantastic price. It's a serious Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from a house that still flies surprisingly far under the radar and is a tremendous buy for vintage Blanc de Blancs!
2018 Alfred Gratien Cuvee Paradis Blanc de Blancs
2018 Alfred Gratien Cuvee Paradis Blanc de Blancs
$69.99
$69.99
Alfred Gratien remains one of Champagne’s great under-the-radar historic houses, and the 2018 Cuvée Paradis Blanc de Blancs is a great example of their top cuvée from a vintage that is shaping up to be fantastic for Champagne. Founded in Épernay in 1864, Gratien has maintained a remarkably traditional approach: only the first pressing is used, the wines are vinified separately in small 228-liter oak barrels, and malolactic fermentation is completely blocked to preserve acidity, freshness and long-term aging potential. The 2018 Paradis is particularly exciting, produced from 100% Chardonnay sourced exclusively from the Grand Cru villages of Chouilly, Cramant, Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger. It is a beautifully complete expression of the vintage, combining the generosity and concentration of 2018 with the tension and precision that define Alfred Gratien. The nose opens with lemongrass and exotic fruit, followed by vanilla and ginger, then gradually expands into almond, jasmine, subtle pastry, and an intriguing iodine-and-sea-spray character. On the palate, the wine has great texture, but remains remarkably airy and energetic, with a fine, persistent mousse, integrated oak, and mouthwatering acidity that keep everything in balance. The finish is long and savory, with chalky minerality and a subtle menthol-like bitterness that adds further complexity. With several years of lees aging already behind it, the 2018 is drinking beautifully today, yet its freshness and structure suggest a very long life ahead. As more of the top 2018 Champagnes reach the market, it is becoming increasingly clear just how successful this vintage was, and Paradis is a terrific example at a fantastic price. It's a serious Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from a house that still flies surprisingly far under the radar and is a tremendous buy for vintage Blanc de Blancs!
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