The Princes Brut cuvée (4th Edition) from Maison De Venoge is a vibrant tribute to the European aristocracy of the early 20th century. Presented in its iconic crystal flask-shaped decanter, this cuvée continues the legacy of Joseph de Venoge, creator of the "Cuvée des Princes" in 1864. This specific edition is distinguished by its skilful composition: a base of the 2021 harvest blended with a majority of reserve wines (53%). It is a champagne of balance and elegance, faithful to the House's motto: "De vin des Princes, le Prince des vins" (The wine of Princes, the Prince of wines).
The production of Princes Brut (4th Edition) De Venoge
The blending of this cuvée is a work of art, bringing together the three great Champagne grape varieties from 11 different villages, including prestigious Grands Crus (Mesnil-sur-Oger, Verzenay, Ambonnay, Mailly).
A Complex Blend
The structure of the wine is based on a precise balance:
- Grape varieties: 39% Pinot Noir (structure), 35% Chardonnay (elegance), 26% Meunier (fruitiness).
- Reserve wines: An exceptional proportion of 53% reserve wines (vintages 2018, 2019, 2020) enriches the base, adding patina and consistency.
- Base: 47% of the blend comes from the 2021 harvest.
Vinification
Maison De Venoge favors finesse. This edition was disgorged in October 2025. The dosage is light, at 5 g/L (Extra-Brut), allowing the freshness of the terroirs and the complexity of the reserve wines to shine through without any cloying sweetness.
The 2021 Base Edition
This 4th edition is built around the year 2021. While 2021 was a demanding and cool year for wine in Champagne, it brings a welcome tension and liveliness here. These are perfectly counterbalanced by the richness of the reserve wines from previous sunny years (2018, 2019, 2020), creating a harmonious and complete "Princes" style.
Tasting of the Princes Brut cuvée (4th edition) De Venoge
Color
The color is a pale, brilliant gold, enhanced by the unique shape of the carafe bottle. The effervescence is fine and persistent.
Nose
The nose is expressive and complex, marked by the significant contribution of reserve wines. There are notes of white flowers and citrus fruits (contributed by Chardonnay from Mesnil and Trépail), supported by aromas of red berries and a delicate hint of brioche.
Palate
On the palate, the attack is fresh and straightforward (characteristic of a dosage of 5g/L). The wine then reveals a beautiful vinosity inherited from the Pinot Noirs of the Grande Montagne de Reims. There is a perfect balance between the mineral tension and the fruity roundness of the Meunier.
Serving suggestions
- Comté cheese gougères
- Scallop carpaccio
- Semi-cooked foie gras
- Bresse chicken with cream sauce
- Roasted fillet of John Dory
- Traditional veal blanquette
- Brie de Meaux with truffles
- 18-month aged Comté
- White fruit tart
Storage and serving recommendations
Aging potential
Thanks to its high proportion of reserve wines and precise dosage, this wine has excellent aging potential:
- 2025–2028: Enjoy its freshness, brightness, and elegance (youthful phase).
- 2029–2032: The wine will gain complexity, developing notes of honey and toast (fullness phase).
Serving suggestions
Serve this cuvée between 10°C and 12°C. The "carafe" shape of the bottle invites elegant serving. A slightly flared white wine glass will allow you to better appreciate the complexity of the blend than a narrow flute.
Anecdote about this cuvée
The distinctive shape of the "Princes" bottle is not simply a modern aesthetic choice. It recalls the customs of the European aristocracy at the beginning of the 20th century. At that time, it was customary to decant champagne into crystal carafes to appreciate its color and effervescence. De Venoge has brought this bottle back into fashion for its prestigious cuvée created in homage to the Princes of Orange.
