Champagne Roger Brun Tasting

19th May 2021

Champagne Roger Brun Tasting 2020

Nestled in what many would say is the greatest of Champagne villages, Aÿ and in amongst over 30 other producers is the grower house Roger Brun. You will find the winery located next door to the impressive Église Saint-Brice with a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere tasting room (upon prior booking) where you can explore and taste the labels from Philippe Brun the winemaker, the winemaking facilities are located just across the road. Philippe’s vineyards are gathered locally and many within the Grand Cru map.

The great Champagne author Michael Edwards, who holds much admiration for the labels of Roger Brun, describes Philippe as “A larger than life character and the most generous convivial of hosts, he has a hedonistic love of good food & drink.” source GlassofBubbly

Champagne Maker Philippe Brun

Champagne Maker Philippe Brun

 

As bold and confident is his personality, Philippe obtains this statement in his Champagnes too. I have been lucky enough to visit on many occasions including a wonderful week stay at his Bed & Breakfast called Logis des Pressureurs – Once you have tasted the range of Champagne they sell then you are pretty much hooked on the quality and styles. Frequently when I am there tasting with Philippe, people are joining us having travelled far and wide to replenish their stock, bottles are always popping chez Philippe and wines are selling across the globe thanks to the many fine reviews he receives along with medals and trophies.

In 2018 Champagne Roger Brun 2004 Reserve Familiale took home the prize of ‘The World’s Finest’ Champagne at the Glass of Bubbly Awards in London – Watch the video below to see Philippe pick up that trophy:

 

A quick search for #RogerBrun on the likes of Instagram shows how much the Champagne house is loved globally, photos shared from happy faces with many choosing to select labels from Philippe for fine food pairings.

Two labels from Roger Brun appear in my top five I have ever tasted to date, the La Pelle 2013 along with the 2004 Reserve Familiale Extra Brut. Every time I open a bottle of Champagne Roger Brun I know I am about to have a fine wine experience where the aromas are fighting equally as hard as the flavours for my attention.

During the 2020 Glass of Bubbly Awards there were 2 Golds, 1 Silver and 1 Trophy for the best Gastronomic Champagne for Roger Brun, we decided to taste these four wines on video to share the special moments with you:

 

Gastronomic Trophy Winner: Champagne Roger Brun – Cuvée 3/3 2008Bold in character. Toasty, peach, apricot, nutty, pastry in aromas. Citrus burst initially followed dry honey, minerals, floral. Great display of flavours, wonderful for gastronomy delights.

Spring Fling Gold Medal Winner: Champagne Roger Brun – RomancePink blossom and red berry fruit aromas. Fruity flavours mostly red berry including freshly picked strawberry and raspberry. Romance is the name, romance for sure could be the outcome.

Summer Days Gold Medal Winner: Champagne Roger Brun – Grand Reserve SecHearty and bold Champagne. Peach and red apple fruit aromas. Orchard fruits, yellow blossom, soft and sweet citrus flavours.

Summer Days Silver Medal Winner: Champagne Roger Brun – Blanc de BlancsLightly toasted bread, sweet citrus, peach on the nose. Again, yellow fruity character, zesty yet sweet citrus burst in flavours.

 

Christopher Walkey

Co-founder of Glass of Bubbly. Journalist and author focused on Champagne & Sparkling Wines and pairing them with foods.