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Champagne • 6 min • 28.05.2023
Sipping on Luxury: Armand de Brignac Champagne Review
Armand de Brignac Champagne, affectionately nicknamed "Ace of Spades," is an esteemed and luxurious drink instantly recognisable by its distinct gold bottle adorned with an Ace of Spades label made from French pewter that is attached to each and every bottle by hand. The history of Armand de Brignac can be traced back to the small village of Chigny-les-Roses in the Montagne de Reims region of Champagne, France. The Cattier family, who have been vineyard owners since 1763, play a crucial role in the brand's legacy.
At the start of the twenty-first century, the father/son team of Jean-Jacques and Alexandre Cattier led a project to create an ultra-premium Champagne by setting aside reserve wines, and the first batch of de Brignac left the cellars in 2006, much to renowned music producer Jay-Z’s delight. Being known for his love for Champagne, it was only a matter of time before Jay-Z bought the brand in 2014, believing it resonated well with his brand identity. Before long, it was featured constantly in his music videos.
Fun fact: The "de Brignac" name was chosen by Jean-Jacques’s mother in the late 1940s, inspired by a character named de Brignac in a novel she was reading.
Key Features
- Location: Rilly-la-Montagne, Champagne, France
- Grape variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier
- Prestige cuvée: Yes
- Style: Non-vintage
- ABV: 12.5%
- Packaging: Unique, opaque metallic bottles which are hand polished and feature an engraved metal plaque made from French pewter.
- Production: Approximately 60,000 bottles per annum.
The Process of Creation
All Armand de Brignac Champagnes are made in the Champagne region of France, in accordance with the law, and though each bottle contains chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier grapes, the different cuvées contain different ratios of these prestigious grape varieties. Some 4,000 kg of grapes are handpicked and pressed, from Cattier’s own vineyards as well as growers from select villages. Only the first and the freshest out of these 4,000 kgs are selected for each batch.
Each champagne is rested for years in the cellar before disgorgement, and a unique dosage consisting of the best still wines is aged in French oak barrels 30 feet underground to give the Champagne its award-winning taste and exuberance.
Fun fact: Between the picking of the grapes to the hand application of the pewter labels, only a total of eighteen people touch each bottle and its contents, this is a testament to the brand’s meticulous attention to detail.
The Eye, Nose, and Palate
With a small roster of cuvées available, let’s have a look at what sets each one aside from the others.
Armand de Brignac Demi Sec
The latest in the series, released in 2015, this is a sweeter style of Champagne that consists of 40% chardonnay, 40% pinot noir, and 20% pinot meunier.
- Appearance: Golden hue with fine bubbles
- Nose: Aromas of honey, ripe peaches, and citrus
- Taste: Rich and luscious, with flavors of baked apples, caramel, and toasted almonds
- Finish: Lingering sweetness with a touch of acidity
Armand de Brignac Brut Rosé
Introduced in 2008, it derives its colour from still red wine from old vines, which are exceptionally complex and robust. The blend is 10% chardonnay, 50% pinot noir, and 10% pinot meunier
- Appearance: Salmon pink with a delicate effervescence
- Nose: Fragrant bouquet of red berries, roses, and hints of spice
- Taste: Fresh and vibrant, with notes of strawberry, raspberry, and a touch of minerality
- Finish: Crisp and refreshing, with a long-lasting fruity finish
Armand de Brignac Brut Gold
The flagship bottle that started it all when it launched in 2006, this legendary Champagne consists of 40% chardonnay, 40% pinot noir, and 20% pinot meunier.
- Appearance: Rich golden color with an abundance of tiny bubbles
- Nose: Bouquet of ripe fruits, buttery pastry, and toasted hazelnuts
- Taste: Creamy and full-bodied, with notes of apricot, citrus, and hints of vanilla
- Finish: Complex and satisfying, with a long and balanced finish
The Verdict: Is Armand de Brignac Worth the Money?
There is no doubt that any bottle of Armand De Brignac oozes with lavish opulence. The attention to detail, even in the hand polishing of the bottles, speaks volumes of the brand’s dedication to detail. Aesthetics aside, the quality of the champagne speaks for itself, the Brut Gold ranked number 1 (96 points) in a blind tasting of 1,000 champagnes in 2009, and the Blanc de Noir took first place in a blind tasting in 2016.
Armand de Brignac Champagnes undeniably come with a higher price tag compared to other brands. However, taking the factors above into consideration, the craftsmanship and luxurious elements associated with the brand make it a worthy addition to any cellar or table, whether you’re a collector or seeking a touch of luxury for a special event.
Armand de Brignac FAQs
Why is Armand de Brignac so expensive?
One of the biggest factors is that Armand de Brignac is a boutique champagne maker at its core, producing an average of 60,000 bottles per annum ramps up it’s scarcity and demand.
Who owns Armand de Brignac?
Armand de Brignac is currently co-owned by Jay-Z and LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), a luxury goods holding company based in Paris.
Where can I buy Armand de Brignac?
You can purchase Armand de Brignac readily from most online stores, if there is available stock, but why not buy from Paneco since you’re already here?
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