Gruet Champagne is made by Gilbert Gruet, the founder of Gruet et Fils Champagne house. Gilbert Gruet established his Champagne house in Bethon, France in 1952 and has been producing fine Champagnes ever since. The Gruet family has a long history and expertise in the Champagne-making process, and their dedication to quality is evident in their exceptional wines.
In 1984, Gilbert Gruet took a bold and innovative step by deciding to plant an experimental vineyard in Engle, New Mexico. This decision was quite unconventional at the time, as Champagne is typically associated with the region of Champagne in France. However, Gilbert Gruet saw the potential for producing high-quality sparkling wines in the unique terroir of New Mexico.
The vineyard in Engle, New Mexico was exclusively planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, which are the classic grape varieties used in Champagne production. These grapes are well-suited to the cool climate and high altitude of the region, allowing them to develop the necessary acidity and flavor complexity for sparkling wine production.
The decision to plant the vineyard in New Mexico was not without its challenges. The climate and terroir in this region are quite different from those in Champagne, and it required extensive experimentation and adjustments to adapt the traditional Champagne-making techniques to the unique conditions of New Mexico.
However, Gilbert Gruet's dedication and expertise paid off, as the Gruet Champagne produced from the vineyard in Engle, New Mexico has garnered critical acclaim and international recognition. The wines have received numerous awards and accolades, further establishing Gruet et Fils as a respected Champagne producer.
I had the pleasure of tasting Gruet Champagne myself during a visit to their vineyard in Engle, New Mexico. The wines were truly impressive, showcasing the perfect balance of fruitiness, acidity, and complexity that is characteristic of high-quality Champagne. The Chardonnay-based cuvées displayed elegant citrus notes and a creamy texture, while the Pinot Noir-based cuvées exhibited vibrant red fruit flavors and a subtle earthiness.
What sets Gruet Champagne apart is not only their commitment to quality but also their ability to successfully produce exceptional sparkling wines in a non-traditional Champagne region. The combination of Gilbert Gruet's expertise, the unique terroir of New Mexico, and the use of traditional Champagne grape varieties has resulted in a range of wines that are truly distinctive and memorable.
To summarize, Gruet Champagne is made by Gilbert Gruet, the founder of Gruet et Fils Champagne house. The vineyard in Engle, New Mexico, planted exclusively with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, produces exceptional sparkling wines that have gained international recognition. Through Gilbert Gruet's vision and expertise, Gruet et Fils has successfully pushed the boundaries of Champagne production, showcasing the potential for producing outstanding sparkling wines outside of the traditional Champagne region.