Champagne Gremillet Ambassadeur Brut NV

Champagne Gremillet Ambassadeur Brut, Champagne, France, NV

Grapes: A blend of 70% Pinot Noir & 30% Chardonnay, sustainable farming, 20% reserve wine, 9g/L residual sugar (dry)

Producer Tasting Note:

A beautiful pale golden-yellow colour gives way to a fine, persistent mousse. It is bright, luminous, and clear. The nose is inviting thanks to an invigorating blend of floral and fruity notes with a touch of sweetness. Acacia, hawthorn, peach, pear, and apricot are all present. The palate is pleasant and fresh with a lovely balance between acidity and ripeness. The fruitiness that is so captivating on the nose reappears, enhanced by subtle toasty and spicy notes.

The vineyards, situated in the southern reaches of Troyes, achieve greater ripeness which leads to a richer fruit and classic baked biscuit flavours mixed with characteristic toasty yeast overtones. Only the first, lightest pressings are used, as is usual for fine Champagne. Classic slow second fermentation in bottle followed by maturing on the lees for at least 22 months before being disgorged and released for sale.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Beautiful pale gold color. Discreet nose of small red fruits. The palate seduces with its precise attack, the fruit well supported by tension. The finish is harmonious and quite persistent. A beautifully crafted wine."

90/100 points, Gilbert & Gaillard, January 2024

"Bright and focused with chalk, apple and lemon aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture and a bright, vivid finish. Well-made. Drink now."

92/100 points, James Suckling, July 2025

The Estate:

The Gremillet estate was founded by Jean-Michel Gremillet in 1979 when he inherited a small plot of vines from his mother, Lulu. Today, the house possesses 55 hectares of vineyards in the Aube department and is situated in Balnot-sur-Laignes, a small village 45 kilometres from Troyes - the historic capital of Champagne - and 180 kilometres south of Reims. The vines lie on steep, sun-drenched hillsides in Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils. Pinot Noir is king here, and constitutes around 80% of Gremillet’s plantings, with the remainder dedicated to Chardonnay, ideal for creating a classic, baked biscuit, rich, fruit-flavoured Champagne. Gremillet work to high standards at every stage of the Champagne making process, including ageing their NV cuvées for two years instead of the required 15 months, and their vintage cuvées for a minimum of five years instead of three.

Food Match: Drinks very nicely well chilled on its own of course, but also recommended with light nibbles, salads and simple fish dishes (try a shrimp & mango ceviche)