The 2018 Brut Vintage champagne from Pol Roger is a superb expression of the 2018 vintage. It combines power and freshness in a harmonious style. Its dominant aromas of exotic fruits and fine pastries give it a refined personality. Served as an aperitif or with a meal, this champagne in its elegant case promises a memorable tasting experience and remarkable aging potential.
The production of Pol Roger's Brut Vintage 2018 champagne
Brut Vintage 2018 embodies the traditional expertise of the Pol Roger house. This cuvée is based on a balanced blend that highlights the richness and elegance of the great Champagne terroirs. The Brut Vintage 2018 cuvée is made from:
- 60% Pinot Noir: it gives structure, power and beautiful aromatic intensity.
- 40% Chardonnay: this brings finesse, elegance and mineral freshness.
The terroir
The grapes come from 20 Grands and Premiers Crus selected from the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. The Montagne de Reims produces full-bodied, generous Pinot Noir grapes with notes of red fruit and power. The Côte des Blancs, renowned for its exceptional Chardonnays, produces wines that are taut and refined, with floral and mineral nuances. This balance between strength and delicacy fully characterizes the Pol Roger style.
Vinification
After gentle pressing of the grapes, the juices undergo double settling, including cold settling (6°C) to ensure maximum purity. Alcoholic fermentation takes place at a low temperature (18°C) in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise aromatic expression. All wines undergo malolactic fermentation, which softens the acidity and adds roundness. The second fermentation and aging take place in Pol Roger's cellars, located 33 meters underground, in ideal natural coolness. Each bottle is riddled by hand before disgorging, perpetuating traditional expertise. The dosage is Brut, offering a perfect balance between liveliness and richness.
The 2018 vintage
2018 was one of the most generous and high-quality years in Champagne in the last two decades. After a rainy spring, the dry, sunny summer allowed the grapes to ripen exceptionally well. The harvest was abundant, with perfectly healthy berries. This vintage is distinguished by its fruity richness and aging potential. The 2018 wines combine aromatic freshness with a full texture, making the Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2018 both accessible in its youth and promising to evolve beautifully over several decades.
Tasting notes
Appearance
The color of Pol Roger's Brut Vintage 2018 is a pale, crystalline yellow with a clear brilliance. Its fine effervescence traces a string of delicate, persistent bubbles, a sign of careful vinification and long aging.
Nose
On the nose, this champagne gradually opens up to reveal fresh, exotic fruits such as pineapple, white peach and citrus. With aeration, aromas of fresh butter and pastry cream emerge, revealing a delicious complexity.
Palate
On the palate, this cuvée is distinguished by its generous roundness and remarkable fullness. Pastry notes dominate, supported by a lemony, tangy freshness. The long, vibrant finish evokes ripe citrus fruits and suggests great aging potential.
Serving suggestions
- Mini smoked salmon tartlets
- Comté cheese gougères
- Sea bass tartare with coriander
- Risotto with scallops
- Bresse chicken with cream
- Roasted turbot with citrus fruits
☐ - Lemon meringue pie
- Pineapple and coconut verrine
- Vanilla macaroons
Storage and serving tips
Storing this champagne
To preserve the integrity of Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2018, store the bottle in a cool, dark place, ideally at a stable temperature of around 62–68°F. The bottle should be laid down to keep the cork moist and prevent oxidation. Protect it from vibrations and light, which would alter its finesse.
Aging potential
Produced in a generous vintage, this champagne has an aging potential of 15 to 20 years in a 75 cl bottle. Its balance between acidity and aromatic richness will allow it to develop notes of honey, hazelnut, and dried fruit, while retaining a beautiful effervescence. It will probably reach its peak between 2028 and 2035.
Serving suggestions
Serve this Brut Vintage 2018 at a temperature of 10 to 12°C in tulip glasses that highlight its aromatic finesse. Decanting is not necessary, but it is recommended to open the bottle a few minutes before tasting to allow the aromas to fully develop.
Anecdote about this cuvée
Pol Roger is one of the few houses that still practices manual riddling for all of its vintage champagnes. This artisanal technique, which requires patience and precision, gives the Brut Vintage 2018 a rare authenticity. Winston Churchill, a great lover of Pol Roger, would undoubtedly have found in this vintage the perfect balance between robustness and elegance, qualities he sought in his favorite champagnes.
