One of the great value champagnes in the United States market, today we share what is the most popular selling brand in France and third largest globally. It is incredible that roughly 24 million bottles are made by Feuillatte with 10 million under their name. Nicolas Feuillatte was born in Paris in 1926 into a family of wine and spirits importer-negociants. After the Second World War, he decided moved overseas and in 1960 became the USA's leading importer of African coffee. He later went on to invest in the vineyards of Champagne and the first grapes are sold to negociants. In 1976, he created and produced the eponymous champagne for a close circle of "American friends". Its commercial success is immediate. He sold his brand in 1986 to the Centre-Vinicole de la Champagne. Today Nicolas Feuilette is imported to the United States by Chateau Ste. Michelle Estates.
By far one of the most popular Champagne brands in the United States, you can find Feuilette Brut anywhere from a posh wine shop to a local supermarket. They make a range of entry level, vintage and tete de cuvee wines. Their top wine the ‘Palmes d’Or’ spends ten years on the lees and is a special wine made from top vineyards.
Cellar master Guillaume Roffiaen has been at the helm at Nicolas Feuilette since 2014, formerly being at Champagne Drappier. Roffiaen Roffiaen studyed agricultural engineering and agribusiness at the Institut Superieur d’Agriculture in Lille and then oenology in Reims, where he gained a national diploma in winemaking. His new wines are gorgeous across the board. I loved the 2015 Nicolas Feuilatte ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne (OB, 93) which is big and bold, with loads of citrus oil flavors and a soft texture. Evne better is the incredible new 2008 Nicolas Feuilatte ‘Palmes d’Or’ Champagne (OB, 95) which is a total stunner to consume now. Right at peak, this will easily go for another ten years but is irresistible to savor right now. Learn more about this famed house at https://www.nicolas-feuillatte.com and here are my reviews of the great new Nicolas Feuilatte wines.
NV Nicolas Feuilatte ‘Reserve’ Champagne- One of the most popular champagnes in the United States, and a fantastic aperitif, the NV Nicolas Feuilatte ‘Reserve’ Champagne shows off plenty of freshness on the palate with green apple, white peach and pastry crust tones. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2027- 90
NV Nicolas Feuilatte Rose Champagne- Really delicious to enjoy now, the NV Nicolas Feuillatte Rose Champagne displays good tension with plenty of crunchy cranberry and red raspberry flavors, with lemon zest accents. This is great stuff to drink now and over the next five years. Drink 2023-2026- 91
2015 Nicolas Feuilatte ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne- This is now the second time that I have had the chance to taste the beautiful 2015 Feuilatte ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne. This sat on the lees for five years before disgorgement. Shades of citrus rind, cardamom and pastry crust all combine on the nose. The palate shows a soft mousse and beautiful weight and length from this warm vintage. Enjoy now and over the next seven plus years to come. Drink 2023-2030- 93
2008 Nicolas Feuilatte ‘Palmes d’Or Champagne- This is now the third chance I have had to review the beautiful 2008 Nicolas Feuilatte ‘Palmes d’Or Champagne which comes from this outstanding vintage. The wine combines equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and was stored on the lees for a whopping ten years before bottling. Right away the secondary notes are rocking with wild mushroom and forest floor accents that combine with a beautiful bouquet of melon rind, lychee and kumquat zest. The palate is round and generous with fantastic weight and finesse. Finishing very long, with its silky mousse, this is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2034- 95