Cuvée „Soléra“ Brut Nature

Wine Description for Cuvée „Soléra“ Brut Nature by Olivier Horiot

Colour & Appearance

Luminous golden yellow with amber-tinted reflexes. The perlage displays itself fine and persistent, a sign of the lengthy maturation in the Solera system.

Nose

Complex, multi-layered bouquet with roasted hazelnuts, brioche and candied lemon zest. Beneath unfold notes of honeycomb, dried apricots and a fine oxidative spice, reminiscent of aged Sherry. The rare grape varieties Petit Meslier and Arbane lend this Champagne an extraordinary aromatic depth.

Palate

Despite being Brut Nature – that is, without dosage – the wine reveals itself remarkably smooth and complex. Ripe pear, quince and almonds meet a saline minerality. The texture is creamy, almost oily, with remarkable concentration. The acidity remains precise and lively, without ever becoming dominant.

Finish

Extraordinarily long and sustained with a fine nuttiness and a hint of dried hay. The saline minerality fades elegantly and leaves a lasting impression of depth and complexity.

Terroir & Origin

From the Riceys in the far south of Champagne, where Kimmeridgian limestone soils provide exceptional minerality. Olivier Horiot tends his parcels with the utmost care, each vineyard site is vinified separately – a practice common in Burgundy but rare in Champagne.

Grape Variety & Vinification

A fascinating assemblage of Chardonnay with the almost forgotten grape varieties Petit Meslier and Arbane. The maturation takes place in Burgundy barrels, ageing follows the Solera method – different vintages are blended together, which provides extraordinary complexity and consistency. Bottled without dosage.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Perfect with roasted turbot, scallops with brown butter, aged Comté or langoustines. The oxidative complexity harmonises beautifully with morels in cream sauce or calf’s sweetbreads.

Special Features

Olivier Horiot ranks among the most innovative winemakers in Champagne. The Solera method and the use of rare grape varieties make this Champagne a rarity for connoisseurs who appreciate complexity and authenticity.