Review: NV Champagnes of Piaff

Piaff’s branding may be on the plain side, but while the bottles may not look it, these Champagnes are top-shelf offerings both at home and here in the U.S. Newly available from importer Foley Family Wines, we recently took a spin through all three non-vintage wines Piaff offers.

NV Champagne Piaff Brut – Touched lightly with sweetness, pears and apples lead the way here across a delightfully fruity experience that is tempered by moderate, bready yeast elements. Hints of almond paste and a note of baking spice round things out, while the finish sees touches of stone fruit before retreating a bit into a somewhat more distant, leathery character. The wine provides a solid base upon which to grow, on par with most nonvintage offerings on the market. B+ / $75

NV Champagne Piaff Brut Rose – Less effusive and fruity than you’d think from the bright pink hue, this wine layers on dried florals and hibiscus notes, then wanders toward notes of almond butter and baked apples. Gentle citrus in the form of sweetened grapefruit pulp and some lemon curd permeates across the creamy texture of the body given a bit of time in glass. Enduring florals actually tamp down the finish a bit, keeping the more interesting fruit notes in check. B+ / $110

NV Champagne Piaff Blanc de Blancs – Presumably 100% chardonnay, but not formally disclosed. A very rich and creamy Champagne, this comes across with austerity and age, like a well-tempered vintage offering. Well-structured with fine bubbles, the wine has a creamy effervescence, bursting with notes of lemon curd, orange marmalade, and marzipan, all as if beaten into a cake batter. Lightly peachy on the finish, with gentle, lingering overtones of yeast and fresh-baked bread. Outstanding stuff that showcases the real power of chardonnay. A / $210

The post Review: NV Champagnes of Piaff appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider’s Guide to Good Drinking.