Reijosfood

Wine Expo (Viini Expo) is arranged every two years in Messukeskus Helsinki, Expo and Convention Centre. When noticed there would be opportunity for champagne tasting on Friday, signed up right away.

Tasting event was guided by Andreas Larsson, Best Sommelier of the World 2007 and Finnish Essi Avellan, MW. Essi Avellan specializes in champagnes. Her appreciation reflects in the fact that she very recently appeared in Christie‘s world encyclopedia of champagne & sparkling wine book. To do the revision of the third edition, writer Tom Stevenson chose Essi Avellan, the second person from the Nordic countries to gain the coveted Master of Wine qualification. http://www.essiavellan.com/.

Tasted champagnes and short notes:

Ayala Brut Nature (NV)

Really dry, no sugar (zero dosage), 50% Pinot Noir grape – because of dryness and amount of PN grape, bouquet and palate not in balance, even disturbing (would not buy)

Overall grade: 2,5/5

Henriot Blanc De Blancs (NV)

Brut, less than 10g/l dosage, 100% Chardonnay grape – balanced aroma and taste, blanc de blancs is always structured (would buy, affordable price compared to what you get)

Overall grade: 4/5

G.H.Mumm Bland De Blancs – Mumm de Cremant (V)

Brut, Grand Cru Prestige Cuvee, 100% Chardonnay grape – luxorious style, bouquet and flavor in equilibrium, blanc de blancs continues the triumph (must buy)

Overall grade: 4,5/5

Pol Roger 2002 (V)

Extra Cuvee de Reserve, Blanc De Blancs (100% Chardonnay grape) – precious, balanced bouquet and palate as blanc de blancs typically have (would buy)

Overall grade: 4/5

Henriot Millesime 2005 (V)

Blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape, dosage less than 10g/l – elegant on the nose and on the palate, PN brings out some side bouquet but does not disturb in taste (would consider a little bit because of the price tag)

Overall grade 4-/5

Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose

Color of the bottle label reflects the 100% Pinot Noir grape used, method used takes best out of this grape – best rose tasted so far, elegant color, fresh bouquet, fruity taste (must buy – our opinion: best of all tasted champagnes)

Overall grade: 5-/5

All champagnes were tasted in an hour, which was a little bit short time to really dig in. Serving temperatures were perfect because each champagne was poured one by one in glasses. Both presenters were professionals, no doubt about that.

Tasting room was half empty or half full (like wine glass can be). Maybe the time 6PM on Friday was not the best one, but at least we enjoyed tasting champagnes and listening interesting facts and backgrounds of the wines.