In the glass
Aroma: green grape, overripe pear, lemon zest, elderflower, smoked almond
Palate: honeyed pear, brioche, green apple, biscuit, buttery
Ackerman's Chardonnay-led Cremant de Loire Royal. 36 months on the lees lend tertiary dried-fruit and almond notes, balanced by zesty lemon and a buttery, biscuity Chardonnay character with a long, dry finish.
What it pairs with
-
Sole meuniere
Buttery Chardonnay palate matches the brown-butter sauce on delicate white fish. -
Cheese souffle
Brioche-and-biscuit Cremant lifts the cheese fat and adds biscuity counterpoint. -
Lobster bisque
Long, dry finish and high acidity cut through the rich shellfish cream. -
Apple tarte Tatin
Honeyed pear and green-apple register echo the caramelised fruit dessert.
History
The Royal range is Ackerman's flagship Cremant de Loire, with the Royal Brut blanc Chardonnay-led and aged a remarkable 36 months on the lees, well beyond the AOC minimum of 9 months.
- 1990 — Royal Cremant de Loire range introduced as Ackerman's flagship
Facts
- Producer
- Maison Ackerman
- Grapes
- Chardonnay (60%), Chenin Blanc (20%), Cabernet Franc (20%)
- Classification
- Cremant de Loire AOC
- Oak
- stainless steel; 36 months on the lees followed by 6 months post-disgorgement
- ABV
- 12.5%
- Price
- EUR 15 to 22 at retail
- Drinking window
- 2 to 8 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1990
Frequently asked about Royal Brut
What does Ackerman Royal Brut taste like?
Green grape, overripe pear, lemon zest, elderflower and faint smoked almond on the nose; honeyed pear, brioche, green apple, biscuit and a buttery Chardonnay character on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long, dry finish.
When should I drink Ackerman Royal Brut?
Drink between 2 and 8 years from vintage, served chilled to 8 to 10 C. The 36-month lees aging means it shows complexity from the start.
What food pairs with Ackerman Royal Brut?
Sole meuniere, cheese souffle, lobster bisque and apple tarte Tatin are canonical pairings for the Chardonnay-led Cremant.
How long is Ackerman Royal Brut aged?
36 months on the lees in the tuffeau cellars (four times the appellation minimum of 9 months), followed by 6 months further maturation post-disgorgement.