Champagne Laurent Godard Mannaz Brut NV

This Mannaz Brut showcases a fuller, richer profile than many standard brut Champagnes, featuring baked apple, fig and honey notes rather than the crisp citrus-only character often found in lighter styles. The inclusion of 20% reserve wines adds complexity and depth, while the savoury backbone makes it particularly food-friendly. This approach reflects the producer's focus on creating a house style that emphasises substance and character over simple refreshment.

The tri-varietal blend of 34% pinot meunier, 24% chardonnay and 20% pinot noir creates a harmonious balance where each grape contributes distinct qualities. Pinot meunier provides the fruity richness and approachable character, chardonnay adds elegance and mineral structure, while pinot noir contributes body and depth. This classic Champagne blend allows the winemaker to craft consistent complexity year after year, with each variety complementing rather than competing with the others.

The fuller body and savoury backbone make this Champagne excellent with earthy, umami-rich dishes like mushroom risotto, roasted duck, or aged cheeses. Unlike lighter Champagnes that pair mainly with seafood and appetisers, this style can handle more substantial flavours and textures. The baked apple and honey notes also complement dishes with caramelised elements, while the mineral finish cleanses the palate between rich bites.

NV stands for 'Non-Vintage', meaning this Champagne blends wines from multiple years rather than showcasing a single harvest. About 20% of this blend comes from reserve wines stored from previous years, which allows Laurent Godard to maintain consistency in the house style regardless of vintage variation. This approach prioritises reliable quality and signature character over the unique expression of any particular year's growing conditions.

The Laurent Godard story began in 1920 when his great-grandparents purchased their first vineyard plot, with each generation gradually expanding the family holdings. Laurent himself took control in the 1980s, representing over four decades of his personal winemaking experience. This multi-generational approach means the Mannaz cuvée reflects not just Laurent's vision, but accumulated family knowledge about their specific terroir and traditional Champagne methods passed down through the decades.