Get to Know the Bubbly: Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte

Champagne, the sparkling wine (also called sparklers) of Champagne, France, is closely associated with celebration. The distinct sound of a champagne cork popping is the catalyst for many big events, like New Year’s Eve and weddings. It is a luxury product that we don’t really get a chance to partake of on a regular basis and is reserved only for special occasions.

Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte (nee/koh/lah føee/yaht) challenges this mindset by proposing to make every waking moment special. A relatively young champagne producer—having been around for only 40 years—this new kid on the champagne block is proposing that we can enjoy champagne at any moment in our lives. “Nicolas Feuillatte wants to remain simple while still reaching that high level of quality and luxury. Every moment is an opportunity to enjoy Nicolas Feuillatte,” says export area manager Frank Protin.

It’s such a novel concept, but are Filipinos ready for champagne? “Everybody is ready for champagne,” Mr. Protin jokes. “I think yes, they are. Filipinos are very curious. What I see when I go to restaurants, when I go to tastings, to hotels, curiosity is something that comes out in my mind when I enjoy the presence of Filipino people. Curiosity means that they are ready to enjoy something different, to enjoy something new.”

The brand has had a more unusual approach than older champagne houses. “The first communication campaign on Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte 25 to 30 years ago was the face of a tiger. They were showing Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte with animals,” shares Mr. Protin. Nobody else would have thought that a champagne house would be able to one day put champagne with a picture of an animal. It was unheard of. That’s what defines Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte: thinking outside the box. Not always using the same way everybody’s using.” Something noteworthy about Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte is that it is vegan-friendly (vegan alert!). They don’t use clarifying animal or animal additives.

They aim to redefine the way of enjoying champagne: keeping it simple but never forgetting that it is still a luxury product. “We want people to realize that it’s not only for high-end consumption,” he explains. “Champagne is, what champagne people say, the king of wines and the wine of kings. But definitely it is a wine that can be enjoyed more casually.”

There are 14 different champagnes in the line of Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, and we had the rare opportunity to sample four of them. The Nicolas Feuillatte Demi Sec is dry and slightly sweet, with toasty vanilla undertones. The pale salmon hued Brut Rosé is fresh and fruity, with flavors of grilled plum and white raspberry. The Brut Réserve or the Blue Label, considered as one of the standard Nicolas Feuillatte styles, is fruity and smooth, full-bodied, and well balanced.

The Nicolas Feuillate Blanc de Blancs 2006 was the favorite of the evening. This champagne, made solely of Chardonnay grapes (champagne can only be made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes), is full on the palate, lively, elegant, and well balanced, with a complex finish.

What is the proper way to drink champagne? “With someone,” Mr. Pinot replies with a smile. “You can enjoy it on your own, of course. But the proper way to drink it is with someone. Wine in my opinion, is a social lubricant. Champagne is the best thing to enjoy with company.”

Champagne Nicolas Fauillate is imported and distributed by AWC Philippines, which provides door-to-door, climate-controlled delivery of fine wines and alcoholic beverages throughout the country. For inquiries, call 817-1417 or email info.awc.ph.