Nicolas Feuillatte 1/4 Champagne Review

I love champagne and not just for celebrations. So when I was recently sent two Nicolas Feuillatte 1/4 Champagne bottles (Rose & Brut) to review I was understandably quite excited. But not all Champagnes are created equal, there are those that I love and those that I don’t.  I had no idea which side of the lines these little cuties would land, but I was more than happy to find out.

If you’re not aware of Nicolas Feuillatte then let me enlighten you. Nicolas Feuillatte was founded in 1976, making it the worlds youngest global Champagne brand. But during the last 35 years it has grown to become the number one Champagne brand in France. That alone speaks volumes when you consider the ancient powerhouses that tend to frequent the market. As today’s review will prove they are also young in their outlook, creating attractive and modern bottles that can appeal to old and new Champagne fans alike.

Nicolas Feuillatte 1/4 Rose Champagne

If I love Champagne, then I adore Rose Champagne. This could mean that I love any brand that I happen to come across. Actually the opposite is true and I am now quite particular. I will start with the bottle itself. I think no one could fail to fall for this sweet little design. It’s quirky and fun whilst retaining a classy exterior. With a screw top ‘cork’ it’s also incredibly easy to get into.

Upon opening it smelled divine, deep and rich. When I took my first sip I was hit by an instant and deep red fruit taste. This was beautifully accompanied by lightly spiced back notes, think cinnamon spiced fruit at Christmas. The bubbles were playful and light, not sharp or harsh on the tongue. It was also very refreshing, which is not something that can be said of all Champagnes. Overall I truly fell in love with this little bottle and my only complaint was that I did not have more of it.

Nicolas Feuillatte 1/4 Brut Champagne

Once again I loved the design of this little chap, he screams fun and class in one breath.

I have tried many Brut Champagnes over the years and they are not all to my liking. Perhaps my most common complaint is a slight stale back taste, which my favourite brands manage to avoid. Thankfully I had no such complaint here. The aroma upon pouring was crisp and fruity,  with an almost orange flower smell. I felt the bubbles were slightly softer than in it’s Rose counterpart. Once again it was fresh and modern whilst being extremely well rounded in flavour. It also managed to retain a sophisticated edge which made the whole flavour rather comforting. I couldn’t fault this little bottle and of the two I would say it was the one that surprised me the most. I even let me husband in on the fun and astounded him with just how delightful Nicolas Feuillatte 1/4 Brut is. While he enjoys Rose Champagne, he has never before thought of himself as a traditional Champagne fan. Thankfully this little cutey seems to have converted him!

Would I recommend this product?

Without a doubt. It’s the kind of Champagne that even non-Champagne lovers can appreciate. It’s light and fruity enough to please even the most sensitive of palates. Whilst being traditional and sophisticated enough to be enjoyed by the true Champagne connoisseur.

It’s also extremely well priced and would make a fabulous gift.

Could it be improved in anyway?

I love the mini bottle design. But I think it would be wonderful if a 1/2 bottle was available with the same funky appearance.

Details

Available to purchase exclusively at John Lewis, the Rose is priced at just £10 and the Brut at £9.

A Summer’s Day & Elderflower Champagne Recipe

Recently we have had some lovely weather and as soon as the summer truly arrives anticipation builds in our household for my husbands Elderflower Champagne. He makes it every year and it is dangerously delicious and gets stronger and more alcoholic over time. As the elderflowers have been late this year he has only just made his batch. I thought I would share his recipe with you all below:

 

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Ingredients
24-30 elderflower heads
2kg sugar
4 litres hot water
6 litres cold water
A dash of lemon juice
Step 1

 

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Collect your flower heads, these do not need storing and are best used fresh.

Step 2

 

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Dissolve the sugar in a large container (we use a 25 litre brew bin) with the hot water and stir until fully dissolved.
Step 3
Next add the cold water, lemon juice, flower heads and stir.
Step 4

 

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Cover the mixture with a muslin cloth and leave in a cool place to stand for two days. I also took the time here to annoy my husband by trying to take his photo 🙂
Step 5

 

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After a couple of days bubbles should start to fizz through the elderflowers, which will be floating on top. If this hasn’t happened add a little dried yeast to help fermentation. Leave for another 4 days.
Step 6

 

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Strain the mixture through muslin and pour into bottles. Fermentation will continue in the bottle giving the champagne its fizz. Your champagne will be ready in about two weeks, but can be left longer.

Finally

 

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I end with a warning; the champagne will improve and become stronger over time. Be warned though this will cause more gas to build up in the bottles. If you don’t keep an eye on them and rebottle if necessary bottles have been known to explode.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do.