Champagne Trouillard
Champagne

The Estate
 The Trouillard family has been part of the Champagne business in Epernay since the 19th century with Lucien Trouillard, the founder, showing an interest in Champagne at an early age. He produced his first bottles in 1896.  When he passed away in 1966, his two sons took over the operation, followed by his grandsons Luc and Bertrand. In 1979, the House of Trouillard became one of the most important houses in the champagne business. The brothers split the activity in 1990 to focus on their own Champagne labels. However, Bertrand Trouillard shares a small cuverie with his cousins, enabling them to share the costs of production. Bertrand stresses the importance of tradition in the wine making process, but also uses modern methods of production when the quality is not undermined. Only the "jus de raisin" or first pressing is used. The wine is matured in their extensive underground caves cut from the naturally soft chalk where the temperature remains a constant 50°F.  Bertrand emphasizes the fact that the French quality laws in Champagne have been raised and the wines must spend a minimum of 15 months of bottle ageing as opposed to 12 months previously. In fact, their Extra Selection Brut spends at least two years on its lees before bottling. They produce 20,000 cases per year (quite small for Champagne) and they export 55% of the production. The house style is similar to a Blanc de Blancs: more emphasis is on the lighter fruit, thus the refreshing, crisp, yet creamy flavors. 

At Champagne Trouillard, time is their ally, and patience their secret. Bertrand Trouillard carries on the family traditions while adding his own stringency and tireless quest for perfection.

 


Bertrand Trouillard


Automatic Riddling Machine


Champagne tasting, Jan. 08


Thierry Gobillard

The Vineyards
They farm 15 hectares (37 acres), divided into 15 parcels of vines, averaging a 94-95 rating. The vineyards are located in the Montagne de Reims in Marne department, Riceys in the Aube,  and the Côtes des Blancs on the best facing slopes for maximum sunshine. Vine roots dig deep into the famous chalky limestone soils of the region, which once was under water and hence is full of sea shell fossils. The viticulture method of culture raisonnée is used, meaning pesticides and herbicides are only used when absolutely necessary.


Chalk

 

The Wines








shelf talker

#F4EE209000PNM
UPC code: 7 84585 00104 0
N.V. Champagne Trouillard, Brut Extra Selection 12/750ml
Selected from 15 different vineyards located in the Marne Valley, in the Aube and the small Mountain of Reims. It  is made of 45% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier, 20% Chardonnay.
With a light amber color with fine bubbles, full-bodied with a full mixture of white fruits. Dominating taste of hazelnuts and grilled almonds.  This crisp, delicate, fresh, creamy and elegant champagne, with just a touch of yeastiness, is sure to enhance any special occasion or meal.  A very classic and delicate Brut.

“Light gold. Musky pear and white peach on the nose, with a dusting of nutmeg and dried flowers adding complexity. Firm and dry but offering sweet orchard fruit flavors and a late-arriving honey quality. Finishes with good grip and persistence.” 
- International Wine Cellar (Nov. 2007)- 88 pts
National Retail Price: $49.99 / bottle

 

#F4GG209001PNM
UPC code: 7 84585 00262 7
N.V. Champagne Trouillard, Brut Extra Selection 12/375ml
National Retail Price: $30.99 / bottle

#F4CC209051PNM
UPC code: 7 84585 00819 3
N.V. Champagne Trouillard, Brut Extra Selection 3/1.5L Liter
National Retail Price: $60.00 / bottle

 

#F4AA209040CHM
UPC: 7 84585 00819 3
N.V. Champagne Trouillard, Brut Grande Reserve Jeroboam 3 Liters
National Retail Price: $142.95 / bottle

#F4NN209055CHM
UPC: 7 84585 00818 6
N.V. Champagne Trouillard, Brut Grande Reserve Methuselah 6 Liters
National Retail Price: $293.95 / bottle

#F4TT209042CHM
UPC: 7 84585 00817 9
N.V. Champagne Trouillard, Brut Grande Reserve Salmanazar 9 Liters
National Retail Price: $381.95 / bottle








#F4EE209014PNM
UPC code: 7 84585 00258 0
N.V. Champagne Trouillard, Cuvée ELEXIUM Rosé 12/750ml
 This rosé cuvée is made with 100% Pinot Noir grapes and aged for 3 years on the lees. The color is a seductive salmon pink with fine bubbles. The Pinot Noir gives this fruity wine its rich bouquet of raspberries and fresh-baked bread. On the palate it is rich yet balanced with lashings of red-berry fruitiness and an ephemeral creaminess. An enormously popular and versatile rosé, this wine is perfect with roast game birds or fowl, smoked salmon and creamy cheeses. 
"Salmon-skin pink. Redcurrant, strawberry and white peach on the nose, with a light floral quality adding interest. Fresh and fleshy, offering bright red berry flavors and bracing minerality. Gains weight on the finish, which features a supple red berry preserve quality."
 - International Wine Cellar (Nov. 2007)- 89 pts

National Retail Price: $55.95 / bottle





















shelf talker

#F4EE209010CHM
UPC code: 7 84585 00259 7
N.V. Champagne Trouillard, Cuvée ELEXIUM 12/750ml
This is a blend of around 20 crus, mainly from the Montagne de Reims and the Côtes des Blancs. The strength of the Pinot Noir combines with the elegance of the Chardonnay to give this vintage its sparkling lightness. The spellbinding floral aroma, its elegant taste and the contrast between lightness and strength makes Cuvée ELEXIUM a very harmonious blend.

ELEXIUM stands for: 
          *EL for ELegence

          *EX for EXcellence

          *IUM- for Optimum and Summum
Made of 55% to 60% Pinot Noir and 40% to 45% Chardonnay.
The color is a pale gold, slightly green with a beautiful persistent bead.  On the nose there are enticing scents of fresh baked bread mixed with aromas of rose petals and honey. A refined and complex taste on the palate with a touch of citrus, a dash of toastiness and a soft creaminess. Light, lively, elegant and a long, long finish.

"Light gold with a vigorous mousse. Musky peach, pear and nectarine aromas are lifted by lively orange zest and anise. Fresh and lively, offering deep but finely etched citrus and pit fruit flavors and finishing with a building melon quality. This delicious wine strikes a fine balance of depth and vibrancy."
 - International Wine Cellar (Nov. 2007)- 90 pts
National Retail Price: $55.95 / bottle


 #F4GG209042CHM
UPC code: 7 84585 00260 3
N.V. Champagne Trouillard, Cuvée ELEXIUM 12/375ml

National Retail Price: $30.99 / half-bottle

























shelf talker / case card

#F4EE209006CHM
UPC code: 7 84585 00257 3
N.V. Champagne Trouillard, Blanc de Blancs, 12/750ml
The House of Trouillard has incredible holdings on the Côtes de Blancs. The vineyard's rating average 94-95, just one of the reasons the Blanc de Blancs has such incredible raciness and elegance. It is a Cuvée of eleven different Crus in the Reims Mountain, the Côtes de Blancs and the Sézannaise region and is the specialty of the house.
Made of 100% Chardonnay with a green-gold color, characteristic of Chardonnay, and with fine persistent bubbles. This wine has an aroma that jumps out of the glass and is very inviting. On the nose there are seductive scents of warm almond croissant and honey, lightened by some floral notes. Crisp and refreshing in the mouth and lively with a very refined fruitiness and a touch of smokiness typical of wines from the Côtes des Blancs. The elegance and subtlety of the Chardonnay are to be especially appreciated as an aperitif, and nicely accompanies shellfish and fish. 
It has become the favorite of those who know Champagne Trouillard.

"Pale straw, with an energetic bead. Racy citrus and pear aromas are sharpened by white pepper and dusty minerals, which carry through a long, tangy finish. Quintessential chardonnay-based Champagne, with admirable freshness and balance."
 - International Wine Cellar (Nov. 2007)- 90 pts
"Mixes citrus and candied berry notes with a hint of yeast and pastry in an appealing way. Elegant and deftly balanced, with a crisp mineral finish. Drink Now."
- Wine Spectator (Dec 15, 2006), 90 pts

National Retail Price: $55.95 / bottle
 

#F4CC209003CHM
UPC code: 7 84585 00368 6
N.V. Champagne Trouillard, Blanc de Blancs, Magnum,  3/1.5L
National Retail Price: $65.95 / magnum



























shelf talker / case card

#F4EE209007CHM
UPC code: 784585002610
2002 Champagne Trouillard, Cuvée du Fondateur, Brut, 6/750ml
The wine is made of 100% Chardonnay grapes coming from the Côte des Blancs vineyards. A very limited bottling.
Its sparkling gold color is vivid and bright. The aromas are floral and honeyed with a wisp of vanilla. The palate is elegantly full with ripe white peach flavors and toasty overtones but balanced with a lively freshness, and delicacy on the long finish. 
A beautiful tribute to the top champagne produced at the Maison Trouillard and a decadent partner to foie gras!
#F4EE209047CHM
UPC code: 784585002610
1999 Champagne Trouillard, Cuvée du Fondateur, Brut, 6/750ml
The wine is made of 100% Chardonnay grapes coming from the Côte des Blancs vineyards. A very limited bottling.
Its sparkling gold color is vivid and bright. The aromas are floral and honeyed with a wisp of vanilla. The palate is elegantly full with ripe white peach flavors and toasty overtones but balanced with a lively freshness, and delicacy on the long finish. 
A beautiful tribute to the top champagne produced at the Maison Trouillard and a decadent partner to foie gras!

"Yellow-gold with a very fine bead. Bright lemon and pear skin aromas are gently underscored by subtle leesiness and sweet butter. Impressively focused citrus and orchard fruit flavors expand and deepen with air, picking up an exotic cardamom quality while maintaining vivacity. Offers excellent grip and depth on the long, juicy finish. There's plenty of spine here to give it a long life, but I wouldn't hesitate to drink it now." - International Wine Cellar (Nov/Dec 2007), 91 pts

National Retail Price: $99.95 / bottle