The 2018 Brut Nature cuvée by Starck from Louis Roederer Champagne is the purest expression of a terroir and a vision shared by the House, its Cellar Master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, and designer Philippe Starck. Produced without any dosage, it expresses in its purest form the power of a sunny vintage and the unique identity of the clay soils of Cumières. This cuvée, presented in a box designed by Philippe Starck, embodies both high standards, audacity and the search for truth.
The creation of Brut Nature 2018 by Starck
Brut Nature was born in 2006 from the meeting between Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Louis Roederer's visionary cellar master, and designer Philippe Starck. Together, they wanted to create a champagne stripped of all artifice, a naked, crystalline wine that tells the story of its terroir and its year of birth without detours. The 2018 vintage, marked by exceptional maturity and rare abundance, has allowed this philosophy to be expressed brilliantly.
Blend
Brut Nature 2018 is a blend of grapes from the same vineyard, vinified together:
- Pinot Noir (50%) brings structure, power, and red fruit.
- Chardonnay (37%) brings freshness, saline energy, and elegance.
- Pinot Meunier (13%) brings suppleness, roundness, and fruity notes.
The originality of this cuvée lies in its joint vinification: the grapes are pressed and fermented together, without separating the grape varieties. This approach promotes harmony and the perfect integration of the varied expressions of the terroir.
The terroir
The 2018 Brut Nature comes from 10 hectares located in Cumières, a village in the Marne Valley, on black clay-limestone soils. These organically farmed terroirs reveal their full potential in sunny years. They give the wine a powdery, chalky texture and a saline tension that balances the ripeness of the fruit.
Vinification
Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, with direct pressing and long aging on fine lees. Malolactic fermentation is avoided in order to preserve freshness. Low-pressure racking produces a creamy, integrated, and silky bubble. No dosage is added: the wine expresses itself in its nakedness, without artifice.
The 2018 vintage
2018 was a year of abundance and exceptional ripeness in Champagne. After a wet spring, the summer was hot and dry, producing concentrated grapes that were rich in sugar but with good acidity. The Brut Nature 2018 reflects all this generosity: a dense, rich champagne, carried by a salty energy and a chalky freshness that balance the sunny roundness of the vintage.
Tasting notes
Color
The Brut Nature 2018 by Starck has a pale gold color, brilliant, animated by a delicate and regular effervescence.
Nose
The nose opens with ripe yellow fruits, peach and pear, complemented by notesof candied citrus, brioche and a hint of iodine that heralds the mineral freshness.
Palate
The palate is full-bodied and textured, with a dense and silky texture. The saline energy balances the sunny fruit. The long, chalky finish leaves a powdery and pure impression.
Pairing suggestions
- Sea bass tartare with citrus fruits
- Fine oysters
- Tuna sashimi
- Roasted lobster with seaweed butter
- Free-range chicken with cream sauce
- Green asparagus risotto
- Lemon meringue pie
- Peaches Poached in Green Tea
- Fleur de sel shortbread
Storage and serving tips
Storing this champagne
Store this cuvée in a dark cellar at 10-12°C and 70% humidity. Store horizontally so that the cork remains moist and preserves the finesse of the bubbles.
Aging potential
This champagne will be at its best until 2030. In its early years, it showcases yellow fruit and salty freshness. Between 2025 and 2028, it will develop notes of fine brioche, hazelnut, andspices. Later, the aromas will evolve towards honey, toast, and smoky touches, while retaining a chalky texture.
Serving suggestions
Serve the Brut Nature 2018 between 9 and 11°C in a tulip glass. Decanting is unnecessary: its aromatic purity and minerality can be appreciated as soon as it is opened.
A box set designed by Philippe Starck
This cuvée is presented in an exclusive box designed by Philippe Starck. Minimalist, refined, in terracotta and beige tones, it reflects the designer's "less is more" philosophy. More than just packaging, this box becomes an extension of the Brut Nature experience: a pure, essential aesthetic that serves the wine.
