Maison Ackerman from Saumur is the oldest specialist in Loire bubbles, founded in 1811. Royal is their historic cuvée, created by Louis-Ferdinand Ackerman in 1882, with a style that revolves around finesse, creamy mousse, and a distinctive minerality. A quick question: how long is this Royal aged on the lees? This vintage is aged for 36 months sur lattes, which creates a fine mousse and added complexity.
The grapes come from France, from the Loire Valley, in the Saumur region around the commune of Le Puy-Notre-Dame. The soil is limestone and clay-limestone, with several plots on a limestone substrate that enhances the fresh, salty-mineral notes. Hand-picking and strict selection form the basis, with a focus on pure fruit and tension in the glass.
Traditional method with secondary fermentation in the bottle. The grapes are pressed whole, without destemming, to minimize extraction. Only the first part of the pressed juice, the vin de goutte, is used in this cuvée. This is followed by 36 months of aging sur lattes in the historic chalk caves of Ackerman. Serve at 6–8°C. Residual sweetness is typically around 5–6 g/L, consistent with the brut style.
Chardonnay – Le Puy-Notre-Dame
Gives tension, citrus and finesse.
Chenin Blanc – Le Puy-Notre-Dame
Provides backbone, acidity and length.
Cabernet Franc – Le Puy-Notre-Dame
Adds spicy nuance and structure.
