By Philippe Prie
Brut Tradition

Wine Details
South of the Champagne region in the heart of the Cote des Bar, you will discover this magnificent Champagne. Gorgeous, clean, and crisp, Philippe Prie Brut Tradition is laced with bright white peaches, green apples, flowers, and minerals. Medium in body, it reveals plenty of length and focus, with a crisp and incredibly pure finish due to the very late inducing of the liquor. Elaborated from 80% Pinot Noir (for robust structure) and 20% Chardonnay (for delicacy and elegance), the grapes come from 30-year-old vines in clay and limestone soils, located in 23 hectares in the Cote des Bar region of southern Champagne.

The Region
The Cote des Bar marks the transition between the plains of Champagne and the rolling slopes of Burgundy. From the Cote des Blancs, it is some two hours south of Epernay. The largest city near the Cote des Bar and the Aube department is Troyes, once abundant with textile factories but now perhaps most known for its high-quality andouillette - an aromatic sausage made from pig's intestines. Just south of the Cote des Bar, one finds the small village of Chaource, from which the creamy, buttery, and delicious cow's milk cheese takes its name. Less than an hour southwest lies the northern tip of Burgundy and the town of Chablis.

Terroir
The soil in the Cote des Bar is closer to that of Chablis - Kimmeridgian marl topped by Portlandian limestone - than it is to the vineyards near Epernay and Reims, which is composed mostly of Cretaceous chalk. Unlike in Chablis, however, producers in the Aube specialize in Pinot Noir. Humid Atlantic influences coming from the west and continental influences with higher temperatures are two factors that help Pinot Noir ripen extremely well in the area. Pinot accounts for almost 90% of vines planted in the region and strongly influences the character of its Champagnes. The Cote des Bar has diverse terroirs. Specific soil types, local climate conditions, slope, and orientation are extremely varied, producing separate micro-climates. Each vigneron needs to be fully attentive to his terroir to make the most of it.

The Blend
Non-vintage Champagnes consist of a base year in the blend, which represents the majority of the cuvee. To that base, reserve wines from previous vintages are added to develop the house style. In the case of Philippe Prie, the "Tradition" label is based on Pinot Noir, and the base year comprises about 70 percent of the total blend. The additional roughly 30 percent comes from reserves, generally three to five different vintages. In 2005, a new winery came into service, equipped with a state-of-the-art wine press with a capacity of nine tons and a full range of temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks adapted to each parcel of the vineyards. This modern production facility offers complete control over the quality winemaking process. The secret of the consistent quality of Philippe Prie wines lies in careful blending techniques.
[Information provided by Serge Dore Selections]

Philippe Prie, Tradition Brut, Champagne, Champagne, France, NV
Producer: Philippe Prie
Wine Name: Tradition Brut
Vintage: NV
Sub-region: Champagne
Region: Champagne
Country: France
Award: Silver
Score: 90
Color: White
Style: Sparkling
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol Level: 12.00%
Bottle Size: 75cl
Grape Composition: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
Tasting Notes: Red berry and soft spice scents. Green fruits in evidence on the palate together with fresh bread and yeast. Not overly complex, but impressive.

Philippe Prie NV Brut Tradition (Champagne)
From: Champagne, Champagne, France
Rating: 88
Winery: Champagne Prie
Region: Champagne
Alcohol: 12.00%
Variety: Sparkling
Wine Type: Sparkling
Bottle Size: 750.00 ml
Publication Date: 10/1/2021
This ripe, textured Champagne is dominated by Pinot Noir. With stylish white fruits and great acidity, the wine is well structured. Lively and with total freshness at the end, the bottling is ready to drink.
Reviewed By: Roger Voss