The Louise Brison estate was founded in 1910. In the 1950s, Louise’s daughter, Antoinette, along with Antoinette’s husband, took the reins, promising to create a top-tier wine estate. They enlisted their son, Francis, who’d spent time abroad learning winemaking and viticultural techniques, to oversee the replantation of the vines that would eventually create the Louise Brison style we know today. Fast forward a few years and Delphine, Francis’ daughter, now helms the property and has converted the estate to a certified organic and biodynamic winery. The estate only does vintage Champagnes that have aged at least five years on the lees.

In the Côte des Bar region, the Louise Brison vineyards are situated around the village of Noé-les-Mallets and are planted to 30% chardonnay and 70% pinot noir. Being the south of Champagne, dangerously and amazingly close to Chablis, the soils echo that of Chablis, with marl and kimmeridgian clay. Delphine places great importance on the health of the vineyards. She was trained in the famed Simonit & Sirch method of gentle pruning, and the soil is worked mechanically. These folks are Vine Master Pruners (that’s actually a thing), and they consult around the globe with the very best vineyards from Champagne, to Bordeaux, Napa, and beyond – all to train and maximize vine health in order to prevent disease and stress and improve quality and flavors along the way. 

This A l’Aube de la Cote des Bar Extra Brut 2016 is mineral-derived on the nose, with a bit of an iodine and ferrous note, along with some quince, pear, and apple flecks. Citrus fruits come to the fore of the olfactory senses as well. While the nose is a bit more subdued, the palate is powerful. Stone fruits, berries, and apples abound, along with a tart and biting blood orange character. It’s a masterful job well done, and I’m here for it. We strive to only choose things that we know you will love to drink, and this is one of them. I’m going to finish off a bottle tonight – provided it makes it that far! It’s purely magnificent and an ode to the women of the Champagne region, so raise a glass...cheers!