Gosset releases ’06 vintage

Champagne Gosset has launched its latest Grand Millésime, the 2006, which is also the first to use “ultra environmentally friendly” packaging.

Spending eight years in the house’s cellars the Champagne is ablend of 56% Pinot Noir and 44% Chardonnay.

With a “low dosage”, it is said to have notes of “hawthorn, lilac and pear” on the nose and “grapefruit burst” on the palate.

Cellar master Jean-Pierre Mareigner said: “The beginning of 2006 was marked by a very dry spell and no spring frosts. A warm, dry and sunny June helped the flowering and full bloom was recorded in the 1982-2006 average (mid-June). Hailstorms in July, then a cool, wet spell in August, was followed by improved early September weather which stimulated maturation, resulting in the grapes being in prime condition just prior to harvest.

“2006 was a particularly good year for the Pinots Noirs, which showed great maturity, with considerable fruit and body.”

As part of its on-going environmental commitment, the foil caps on the bottles have been replaced with a “new generation” of foils made from low-density green polyethylene and printed with water-based inks.

Priced at £65-69 a bottle, the 2006 is available through Louis Latour Agencies.