Gobillard is located in the heart of Champagne just 5km from Epernay. The village of Hautvillers dominates the vineyard with its abbey, where the infamous Dom Pérignon is reported to have created the first champagne bubbles. Passion, dynamism and competence define this family business, from the work in the vineyard to marketing, each step is carried out with respect for the traditions of Champagne.
The grapes are pressed very gently and varieties are vinified separately off the skins to produce a low alcohol dry white wine which is racked and allowed to mature in tank until the spring. The lots are then blended together, using some reserve wines from earlier fine vintages. The resulting wine is then bottled with special "flocculent" yeasts and sugars and is refermented under a crown cap. There follows a period of ageing, when the yeasts flavour the wine and give it characteristic brioche aromas. Gobillard then opens the bottles ("dégorgement"), removing the yeast in the process, adds a dosage of grape sugars, inserts the characteristic mushroom cork, and ships the wine.
Much of the trick in buying Champagne lies in finding a good one without being taken for a ride pricewise, often by the draw of the big names. This Baron de Marck has a beautiful and pure fruit character as well as a hint of brioche, giving it a soft rounded flavour. This is a Champagne which is perfect as an aperitif or with canapés and nibbles or with lighter dishes. Great Champagne, great price.
