Count Florens de Castellane founded the Champagne brand de Castellane in 1895 in the picturesque town of Epernay. This family is now one of the oldest in France. The famous Cross of St. Andrew is depicted on every label. In the center of Epernay, the Champagne de Castellane Tower stands as a symbol of the town. Built in 1904, it is the work of Auguste Marius Tourdoire, the architect who also designed the Gare de Lyon in Paris. Today, the tower houses part of the Champagne Museum.
This Castellane Brut is a blend of 40 percent Chardonnay, 30 percent Pinot Noir, and 30 percent Pinot Meunier. After the primary fermentation, the champagne undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle. After the primary fermentation, the wine still has a slight bubble and is bottled along with yeast cells and sugar. This initiates the second fermentation, which lasts approximately three weeks. The sugars are then converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Even after this fermentation, the yeast cells continue to function, called autolysis, where the dead yeast cells come into contact with the champagne. This process gives the champagne an aroma of fresh bread. Finally, the champagnes are aged in the bottle for 24 months.
Castellane Brut offers a delightful bouquet of fresh and elegant aromas on the nose, including notes of citrus, gooseberry, and floral notes. The palate is delightfully lively with a harmonious balance and a very fine mousse with pleasant hints of citrus and apple.
