Champagne Robert Allait Tasting

Located in the small wine growing village of Villers sous Chatillon and just a 10 minute drive from Epernay, the Champagne house of Robert Allait is one of the leading grower producers putting tremendous commitment into their sustainability practices.

“We attach great importance to respect for the environment and thanks to new cultivation practices implemented on our farm, our house has been certified sustainable viticulture and HVE (High Environmental Value) since 2015.“

A family grower of five generations with a selection of fine cuvées to enjoy and a focus on the Meunier grape (4 cuvées made exclusively from Meunier.) Robert Allait has offered back to nature, since 2018, a selection of beehives with swarms of bees within their vineyards and also produce honey (250g and 500g jars) for consumers to enjoy and it certainly expresses Champagne characters in many ways…

I took a visit to their winery back in 2020 and discovered their fine property within the village of Villers sous Chatillon which coincidently I once looked at a fine old property for sale some years back that had extensive underground wine cellars, unfortunately, that dream did not materialise though I hold on to a fondness for the village which holds many fine Champagne houses.

 

Their 14 hectares of vineyards are spread over 6 municipalities with exposure on the southern slopes of the Marne Valley. The Meunier grape for me here is quite a bold character and offers a delightful punchy style within non-malolactic labels.

They hold an impressive selection of medals from wine awards to include receiving a medal for each of their five cuvées which entered the 2020 Glass of Bubbly Awards.

During a live tasting we set about experiencing these five cuvées and also a tasting of their fine honey:

 

Robert Allait – Rosé de Saignée Éclat de Meunier Champagne: “Toasty red fruits on the nose. Red fruit flavours, zesty character. Elegant and stylish, hints of toast / minerals.”

Robert Allait – Cuvée Prestige Brut Champagne: “Typical Champagne characteristics. Honey, toast, citrus, yellow fruits on the nose, easy to enjoy. Honey, light citrus, peach skin, acidic flavours.”

Robert Allait – Cuvée Jordan Brut Champagne 2014: “Wonderful buttery nose with dried apricot, peach skin. A punchy red fruit, citrus acidic expression initially followed by red berries and wild strawberries with a wet stone / mineral close.”

Robert Allait – Millesimé Chardonnay Brut Champagne 2015: “Lightly toasted bread, yellow blossom, yellow fruit aromas. Dry nutty and yellow fruits. Mouthwatering and fresh / clean. High acidity.”

Robert Allait – Cuvée Pinot Chromie Champagne: “Quite magnificent fresh strawberry and raspberry on the nose with a bowl full of flaky pastry and strawberry ice cream. Flavours are delicate though freshly acidic. Red berry fruits, minerals, zestiness in length.“