Thierry-Triolet

[mrdutton]

Another Christmas present just recently recieved. This Recoltant-Manipulant is labeled as a Grande Reserve, NV, Brut Champagne from Theirry-Triolet in Bethon, France.

Anyone have a clue? Some TN's or even a web-site would be helpful.

(Yeah I could probably find something on it myself. However, I think it is my turn to ask a question and not give an answer, also.)

[Drew]

Mike, found this posted today on Brad Harringtons California board.

http://216.55.182.105/forum/read.php?f=13&i=316593&t=316593

Thierry Triolet Grande Reserve NV
Toasty nose, yeasty, doughy, mild acidity. Grade: B ($36)

Drew

[mrdutton]

Thanks Drew. After doing a bit of research on my own: Toasty nose, yeasty palate are about what I expected to hear!

The folks who gave this one a B are the same ones who gave Dom an A ........... Dom is not my favorite Champagne, so we'll see.

The true test will be in the TASTE, TASTE, TASTE!!!



[This message has been edited by mrdutton (edited 12-09-2000).]

[Drew]

Charley Chadwick was the author of the Tn's on the link I posted. Is he a wine critic? I thought his post was just a "Joe Shmo" tn post. Anyway.....I agree with you about Dom P. I first had it 6 years or so ago and did not enjoy it, bitter tasting and I thought not much depth.

Drew

[mrdutton]

Chilled this baby down and drink same with our Christmas dinner HORSEDOUVERS.

Went very nicely with the shrimp, held up to the port salut semi-soft cheese and surprisingly was only slightly overpowered by the aged asiago - since both had hints of the same smokey, yeasty flavors.

Oh yes, toasty nose, yeasty bread-like flavors, decent acidity I thought! We liked this one and would drink it again. On the first sip, my wife squinched her nose, then she drank three glasses and said she liked it - half-way into the second glass.

The grapes spoke to us from this NM Champagne, of that there is no doubt. I still would like to know which grape it was that was speaking. I am certain it was not the pinot N nor the chardonnay; guessing it was the pinot meunier (what else is left, eh?).

[This message has been edited by mrdutton (edited 12-26-2000).]

[Bollinge]

I do not know of this brand, but the village of Bethon is planted with 87% Chardonnay, 12% Pinot Noir and 1% Pinot Meunier.

Thus one would expect a predominance of Chardonnay in much of Bethon's production.

[mrdutton]

Thanks for that information. I would have never expected that, since the "one dimensional chardonnay" has so little to offer when produced in places other than France.

If this particular Champagne was mostly Chardonnay, it was anything but "one dimensional". Then again, this is my first experience with an RM Champagne from a small house.

It sure as heck beat the big houses. Again, this very nice Champagne spoke to me!

I have been having some difficulty in finding out the particular grapes used to produce this bubbly. I appreciate your response.

[This message has been edited by mrdutton (edited 12-28-2000).]