Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 747 Grand Vin Extra Brut

Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 747 Grand Vin Extra Brut NV: A Deep Dive into Excellence

Champagne Jacquesson is a name synonymous with meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering dedication to expressing the unique terroir of their vineyards. This family-owned house, based in Dizy, has been crafting exceptional Champagnes for generations, and their commitment to quality shines through in every bottle. They are particularly known for their numbered cuvées, each representing a specific harvest and showcasing the distinct characteristics of that year. The Jacquesson Cuvée 747 Grand Vin Extra Brut NV is a brilliant example of their artistry, a multi-vintage blend that captures the essence of their philosophy.  

Tasting Notes:

The Jacquesson Cuvée 747 presents a captivating pale gold hue, alive with a delicate stream of fine, persistent bubbles. On the nose, the initial impression is one of remarkable freshness and vibrancy. Crisp orchard fruits, such as green apple and pear, mingle with subtle citrus notes of lemon zest and grapefruit. Underlying these bright fruit characteristics, there's a delicate minerality, reminiscent of crushed chalk and wet stone, adding a layer of complexity. As the wine opens in the glass, hints of brioche and freshly baked bread emerge, testament to the extended lees ageing. There's a subtle floral note too, perhaps a whisper of honeysuckle, adding another dimension to the aromatic profile.  

On the palate, the Cuvée 747 delivers a truly remarkable experience. The extra brut style ensures a bone-dry character, yet the wine is far from austere. The vibrant acidity provides a refreshing backbone, perfectly balancing the richness and depth of flavour. The fine mousse creates a delightful texture, dancing on the tongue and enhancing the wine's elegance. The flavours mirror the aromas, with crisp apple and citrus taking centre stage, followed by a subtle saline note that lingers on the long, satisfying finish. The wine possesses a remarkable precision and focus, showcasing the quality of the fruit and the meticulous winemaking. It's a Champagne that speaks of its origins, reflecting the unique terroir of Jacquesson's vineyards.  

Serving Suggestions:

The Jacquesson Cuvée 747 is best served chilled, ideally between 8-10°C. A proper Champagne flute or tulip glass will best showcase the wine's effervescence and aromas. This Champagne is a versatile wine, perfect as an aperitif to kick off a celebration or enjoyed throughout a meal. Its crisp acidity and complex flavours make it a fantastic match for a wide range of dishes.  

Food Matching:

The extra brut style and vibrant acidity of the Cuvée 747 make it a particularly food-friendly Champagne. It pairs beautifully with seafood, particularly oysters, scallops, and prawns. The wine's minerality and citrus notes complement the delicate flavours of the seafood, while the acidity cuts through any richness. It's also a great match for sushi and sashimi, where the crispness of the Champagne complements the clean flavours of the raw fish.  

For a more substantial pairing, consider dishes with creamy sauces, such as chicken or fish in a white wine sauce. The acidity of the Champagne will balance the richness of the sauce, while the complex flavours will complement the dish. It also works well with lightly spiced Asian cuisine. The slight sweetness of some Asian dishes is balanced by the dryness of the Champagne.

Cheese Pairing:

When it comes to cheese pairings, the Jacquesson Cuvée 747 shines with its versatility. Its crisp acidity and minerality make it a wonderful match for a variety of cheeses, from soft and creamy to hard and aged. A particularly good pairing would be with a mature Comté. The nutty and slightly sweet notes of the Comté will complement the brioche notes in the Champagne, while the richness of the cheese will be balanced by the wine's acidity. Other excellent choices include Parmigiano-Reggiano, with its salty and savoury flavours, and even a creamy goat cheese, where the tanginess will be beautifully balanced by the Champagne's crispness.

Producer Information:

Champagne Jacquesson is a highly regarded, family-owned Champagne house located in the village of Dizy, in the heart of the Vallée de la Marne. Founded in 1798, the house has a long and rich history. Today, Jacquesson is run by brothers Jean-Hervé and Laurent Chiquet, who are committed to producing Champagnes that express the unique terroir of their vineyards. They focus on sustainable viticulture practices and use a high proportion of Chardonnay in their blends, contributing to the elegance and finesse of their Champagnes. Their numbered cuvées, like the 747, are a testament to their dedication to quality and their pursuit of excellence. Each cuvée represents a specific harvest or blend of harvests, showcasing the distinct characteristics of that year and the unique expression of the Jacquesson style.