Andre Jacquart Vertus Experience 1er Cru Extra Brut
Sis. ALV 25,5%
André Jacquart 'Vertus Experience' Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru
The "Southern Charm" of the Côte des Blancs – Radiant and Round
The Vibe
If the Millesime 2013 is a laser-focused masterpiece, the Vertus Experience is its more welcoming, curvaceous cousin. Vertus is a Premier Cru village located at the southern tip of the Côte des Blancs, known for producing Chardonnay that is slightly more "fleshy" and sun-kissed than the austere, chalky wines of Le Mesnil.
True to the André Jacquart style, this NV (Non-Vintage) cuvée is a serious "Grower Champagne." It uses a base year blended with about 30% reserve wines to ensure consistency and depth. It’s the house’s "calling card"—a wine that manages to be both a refreshing aperitif and a complex partner for a full meal.
The Nose
The nose is a beautiful mix of "fresh and toasted." You get an immediate lift of white flowers (linden and acacia) and bright citrus peel (lime and grapefruit). Because 30% to 40% of the wine is fermented in old Burgundy barrels, there is a sophisticated "pastry" layer: think fresh brioche, toasted almonds, and a hint of vanilla bean. It smells like a high-end bakery located next to a lemon grove.
The Taste
On the palate, the Vertus Experience is creamy and voluminous. Thanks to the 4+ years of aging on the lees, the bubbles (mousse) are incredibly fine and silky. You’ll taste ripe white peach and green apple, followed by a distinct saline, chalky minerality that reminds you of its Côte des Blancs roots. Because Marie Doyard blocks malolactic fermentation, the finish is vibrating with a zesty, citrusy snap that keeps the richer oak notes in perfect balance.
📋 Product Specs
| Feature | Reality |
| Origin | Vertus (Premier Cru) & Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (Grand Cru) |
| Grape | 100% Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs) |
| Vinification | 30%–40% in old oak barriques; No Malolactic Fermentation |
| Aging | 4+ Years on the lees (nearly double the legal requirement) |
| Dosage | Extra Brut (3–4 g/l) |
| Style | "Grower" Champagne (RM - Récoltant-Manipulant) |
| Critical Score | 94 Points (James Suckling, 2024), 91 Points (Wine Enthusiast) |
Best Paired With:
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The "Aperitif" King: Pairs perfectly with salty Marcona almonds, oysters, or high-quality sashimi.
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The Comfort Match: A rich cheese soufflé or Eggs Benedict (the acidity cuts through the yolk beautifully).
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The "Main Event": Roasted poultry with a lemon-butter sauce or delicate white fish.
Pro Tip
In 2026, the current releases of the Vertus Experience are showing incredible "vibrancy." While many NV Champagnes are meant to be drunk immediately, the André Jacquart bottles have the structure to age for another 3–5 years comfortably. Serve it at 8–10°C. If you’re drinking it as a "food wine," don't be afraid to use a regular white wine glass to let those barrel-aged aromas breathe.
Wine Details
- Grape Chardonnay
- Country France
- Region Champagne
- Producer Andre Jacquart
- Classification AC Champagne
- Alcohol 13.0%
- Volume 750