Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/859549
100 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 PHOTO: COURTESY OF ROEDERER Eric Hemer, MS, MW, CWE Senior VP, Director of Wine Education, Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits. Champagne Louis Roederer 2009 Brut Nature 33.3% Pinot Noir/Pinot Meunier, 33.3% Chardonnay; 25% of the wine is vinified in oak casks; 0g/l dosage Very high-quality, creamy, toasty lees notes indicative of long sur lie aging. Ample, round, with ripe apple, citrus and stone fruit flavors, balanced by fresh, crisp acidity. Long, clean, complex finish. Many brut nature wines are too austere to drink on their own, but this is great as an aperitif without food. Intense bouquet combining sweet flowers (honeysuckle, broom), yellow fruits (peach) and lightly roasted dried nuts (hazelnut). Evolves towards spicy and citrus notes with a hint of Sancho pepper as well as soft, sweet, ripe notes of chestnut cream. A Side Note on Packaging: More casual, clean, bright, modern label appealing to younger hipster/millennial buyer/ consumer. Great for clubs, wine bars, etc. Brut nature is a hot category with younger Champagne drinkers. Gift box a bit more upscale, making it suitable for older retail consumer as well. Eric Hemer, MS, MW, CWE and Senior VP, Director of Wine Education, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits. Guy Stout, MS, Director of Wine Education, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Texas. 100 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 PHOTO: VANESSA ROGERS