From: Champagne, France
Blend: 20% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, and 40% Meunier
Taste: NV Champagne Huré Frères Cuvée Invitation greets you with a bright, golden hue and a vivacious mousse. The nose is seductive and complex with aromas of ripe apple, wild strawberry, brioche, and subtle notes of ginger and orange oil. As the wine opens up, it reveals a distinct minerality, hinting at the terroir it hails from. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a delicate tension between the ripe red fruit, citrus peel, and a robust core of stony minerality. A lively acidity complements the broad palate, bringing balance and vivacity. The finish is lengthy and satisfying, with the frothy mousse and energetic fruit leaving a lasting impression. It is a versatile, inviting champagne that expertly captures the essence of its origins.
Pairing: NV Champagne Huré Frères Cuvée Invitation is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Its rich fruit character and crisp acidity make it an excellent match for charcuterie, bringing out the savory flavors of cured meats. The wine's lively acidity and minerality can also complement seafood dishes, such as sushi or smoked salmon (see the recipe below!), by cutting through the richness and highlighting the fresh flavors. Additionally, the creamy notes in the champagne pair beautifully with soft, ripened cheeses like brie or camembert.
For vegetarian options, this champagne pairs wonderfully with a creamy mushroom risotto. The rich, earthy flavors of the mushrooms are balanced by the champagne's acidity, while the creaminess of the risotto complements the wine's frothy mousse. Alternatively, try it with a goat cheese and beetroot salad; the sweetness of the beets will work with the fruit notes in the wine, and the goat cheese will resonate with the brioche and biscuit notes. Lastly, a classic pairing would be a truffle and parmesan pasta - the umami flavors from the truffle and parmesan are beautifully balanced by the champagne's vibrant acidity and minerality.
Smoked Salmon, Fennel and Herbed Mascarpone Tart
By Melissa Clark
About. In the world of sparkling wine, the Huré Frères estate in the heart of Champagne, France, is a testament to the enduring allure of family-run wineries. The estate was reluctantly founded by Georges Huré in 1960, propelled by the persuasive dreams of his wife Jeanne. By 1971, Georges had entrusted the reins of the domaine to his three sons—Jean Marie, Marc, and Raoul, who together inspired the name Huré Frères.
Since 2008, the estate has been led by François, Raoul's son, who brought a wealth of experience from his stints in Burgundy, Jean Pïerre Fleury, and vineyards across Australia and New Zealand. His diversified exposure to both New and Old World wine regions has greatly influenced his approach to winemaking, resulting in a harmonious blend of traditional farming, respect for terroir, and efficient modern techniques. These principles now define the terroir-driven and focused cuvées that epitomize the Huré Frères style today.
The personification of his own wines, François Huré, embodies the same qualities that his champagnes are renowned for. Initially appearing shy and reserved, he gradually unveils his sincere, intellectual nature, and infectious energy, much like the delicate layers of his champagnes revealing themselves sip after sip.
The NV Champagne Huré Frères Cuvée Invitation, a masterful blend of 20% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, and 40% Meunier, is a case in point. With the base vintage of the current disgorgement being 2016, supplemented by 40% reserve wines, the Cuvée Invitation exhibits a compelling bouquet of baked apple, brioche, wild strawberry, orange oil, white flowers, and ginger. The palate is a delightful play of ripe red fruit and citrus peel, underscored by a vibrant acidity and a serious core of stony minerality.
The wine evolves beautifully in the glass, revealing a frothy mousse and energetic fruit initially, and then, with time, the earthy character intrinsic to the Montagne de Reims emerges. It is an exquisite Champagne, perfectly suited to accompany charcuterie, sushi, or smoked fish.
The Huré Frères Cuvée Invitation embodies a brilliant color as well as a nose filled with ripe aromas of cherry, plum, biscuit, and brioche. The well-balanced, supple palate is as inviting as the name 'Invitation' aptly suggests.
Critical acclaim for this Champagne is impressive, with a 91 rating from Wine Spectator, and a 90 from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. Both reviews laud its vibrant, crisp, and lacy texture, minerally overtone, and fresh range of crunchy pear, spring blossom, pink grapefruit pith, and sea salt notes.
François and Pierre Huré, the third-generation vignerons, are a part of a new wave of artisan champagne production that is redefining regional standards of excellence. While they have farmed sustainably for 20 years, they have also been farming with organic and select biodynamic practices since 2009, although François prefers not to pursue any official certification. Their wines offer incredibly pure and expressive aromatics, a fine, persistent bead, charm, elegance, and deep, vinous earthy pleasure.
The Huré Frères 'Invitation' Brut NV delivers incredible nuance and complexity often found in Champagnes priced significantly higher. Rich and decadent, it presents moreish notes of toasted hazelnuts, patisserie, vibrant lemony acidity, and crunchy pear.
This expressive champagne is not only a perfect aperitif but also an excellent accompaniment to food, especially soft, gooey cheese, making it a versatile choice for a variety of occasions.
Huré Frère is the epitome of a family business. Run by brothers François and Pierre, with guidance from their father Raoul, this winery maximizes the potential of Ludes, a premier cru on the Reims mountain. The brothers firmly believe that great Champagne starts in the vines, and they farm all their vineyards using Biodynamic and Organic practices. This approach diverges dramatically from the industrial style farming favored by big Champagne houses, reflecting their commitment to quality over quantity.
Their meticulous attention to detail may be focused locally, but their outlook is undoubtedly global. They cite Hubert De Montille from Domaine de Montille in Volnay and Mat Donaldson from Pegasus Bay Winery in New Zealand as significant influences and sources of inspiration.
Huré Frères, Brut, “Invitation” is a celebration of the brothers' commitment to excellence. The pair have made waves in the Champagne scene since they took over in 2008, producing pure wines at remarkably reasonable prices. Their love for biodynamics and a Burgundian sensibility is apparent in every bottle of the NV Champagne Cuvée Invitation.
As far as non-vintage brut goes, Huré Frères outshine many with their meticulous vineyard practices and 'vintage-level' bottle aging. The layers of “Invitation” are pronounced yet nuanced, never overwhelming the senses or weighing down the palate. It’s an elegant and incredibly refreshing Champagne that carries itself with a certain creaminess—all while retaining a laser-sharp focus. Huré Frères has found the proverbial “sweet spot” and with an impressive amount of reserve wine added to its 2016 base vintage, it’s both complex and fresh—everything a Champagne lover could ask for.
In conclusion, the NV Champagne Huré Frères Cuvée Invitation is a fitting testament to the passion and commitment of the Huré family. The 'Invitation' Brut NV, with its delicate balance of flavors, complexity, and refreshing minerality, indeed lives up to its name, inviting wine lovers to experience the best of what Champagne has to offer. It is a superior value for Champagne, and an absolute must-try for anyone seeking to explore the breadth and depth of artisan champagne production.