PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Champagne Jacquart is a Reims-based house founded in 1964, known for blends that emphasize Chardonnay, long aging, and a “contemporary, straightforward, airy, fine, and very fresh style.” Its Cuvée Alpha is the prestige cuvée, made only in vintage years and entirely from Grand Cru villages. It was launched in 2013 with the 2005 vintage, and the 2012 is its latest vintage expression.
The 2012 is a blend of 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir, drawn exclusively from six Grand Cru villages: Avize, Cramant, and Oger in the Côte des Blancs for the Chardonnay, and Aÿ, Verzenay, and Verzy in the Montagne de Reims for the Pinot Noir. It is aged about seven years on the lees before disgorgement, then rested in Jacquart’s Reims cellars until its release in 2022, a decade after the harvest. The vintage was one of small volumes but very high quality across Champagne, and the wine is bottled at 12.5% ABV, as a Brut.
The producer describes a “yellow and brilliant” Champagne with a delicate bead, a nose that is “elegant, on toasted notes and dried fruit,” and a palate that is “fresh, with notes of coffee and citrus,” with “a finish of beautiful length on honey aromas.” A winemaker’s note adds: “The Chardonnay takes centre stage initially, with a delicately floral bouquet rolling out acacia, honeysuckle and poppy scents mingling with hints of fresh orchard fruit, brioche. On aeration, delicious aromas of cherry, red apple and honey are released,” and “the sensation on the palate is one of long-lasting finesse leading through to salty chalk notes in the finish.”
Critics have rated it highly. Wine Enthusiast scored it 93: “This is the top Champagne from this cooperative based in Reims. It is a blend of Grand Cru fruit that was aged for seven years on the lees before disgorgement,” and described a nose that is “very nutty, with aromas of peanut butter, smoky woodland and tarte tatin,” with deeper notes of marzipan and roasted coffee emerging with air. One retailer lists Decanter at 92, and Wine-Searcher shows six critic scores for the 2012, ranging from 90 to 94. The Whisky Exchange describes “tropical fruits, marzipan, candied lemon and praline, underlined with fine acidity.”
It’s a fresh, nutty, mature Champagne with the elegance of Grand Cru fruit, and a good fit for customers who like a balance of citrus and pastry. Serve it in a white wine glass at 8-10°C, as an aperitif or with roast poultry, seafood, and aged Comté.
Champagne Jacquart Cuvée Alpha Millésime 2012 is produced by Champagne Jacquart in Reims, Champagne, France, from Grand Cru fruit only: Chardonnay from Avize, Cramant, and Oger, and Pinot Noir from Aÿ, Verzenay, and Verzy. 52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir. About seven years on the lees, then cellar-aged until its 2022 release. Brut (dosage reported at 7 g/L; some listings cite 5 g/L). 12.5% ABV, 750ml.
Wine Enthusiast — 93 Points:
“This is the top Champagne from this cooperative based in Reims. It is a blend of Grand Cru fruit that was aged for seven years on the lees before disgorgement.” (Tasting note: “Very nutty, with aromas of peanut butter, smoky woodland and tarte tatin.”)
Decanter — 92 Points
Jacquart (tasting notes):
“Nose: Toasted and roasted notes followed by aromas of dried fruits. Taste: Fresh with a sensation of candied citrus. There are notes of roasting and coffee. A long finish, with aromas of honey and candied fruit.”
Winemaker’s notes:
“The colour shows golden hues and a delicate, defined bead. Nose: The Chardonnay takes centre stage initially, with a delicately floral bouquet rolling out acacia, honeysuckle and poppy scents mingling with hints of fresh orchard fruit, brioche. On aeration, delicious aromas of cherry, red apple and honey are released. Palate: The sensation on the palate is one of long-lasting finesse leading through to salty chalk notes in the finish.”
Nose
Golden and brilliant. Acacia and honeysuckle, with orchard fruit, candied lemon, brioche, toasted notes, and tarte tatin, opening to marzipan and roasted coffee.
Palate
Fresh and focused, with candied citrus, tropical fruit, pastry, and praline, with fine mousse and bright acidity.
Finish
Long, with honey, salty chalk, and coffee.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Style | Vintage Brut Champagne — Prestige Cuvée |
| Blend | 52% Chardonnay · 48% Pinot Noir |
| Vintage | 2012 |
| Sourcing | Six Grand Cru villages: Avize, Cramant, Oger; Aÿ, Verzenay, Verzy |
| Aging | ~7 years on the lees; cellar-aged until 2022 release |
| Producer | Champagne Jacquart — Reims (founded 1964) |
| ABV | 12.5% |
| Critics | Wine Enthusiast 93 · Decanter 92 |
| Style / Identity | A fresh, nutty, citrusy-and-pastry vintage Grand Cru Champagne |
| Aromas & Flavors | Acacia, honeysuckle, candied lemon, marzipan, praline, tarte tatin, honey |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Serve at about 8-10°C in a white wine glass rather than a flute.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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