90pts Wilfred Wong

Make no mistake, Gruet with its American appellation, produces top sparkling wines and the NV Gruet Blanc de Noirs is one the winery's most consistent efforts. Enjoy this with fresh salmon sashimi when you are on the coast. Light salmon color, pleasant mousse, some dried leaves and ripe berries in the nose, classic aromas; medium bodied; dry, soft acidity, well balanced; bright red fruit flavors, some earth and yeastiness; medium finish. 

90pts Wine Spectator

Elegant and focused, with creamy vanilla and apple aromas and rich yet crisp flavors of baked pear and cinnamon bread.

90pts Tasting Panel

Continuous and rich with a ripe elegance: dry, balances, and deep; a carefully-made wine at a very reasonable price.

Winemaker Notes

The rich and toasty character of the Blanc de Noirs is balanced and superb. Aged for two-year minimum, the palate is developed and shows rich complex flavors. The amazing berries aromas and the creamy texture play a leading role and create a great finesse.

A fine salmon color, aggressive mousse and a lovely fruity wine with plenty of immediate charm and toasty aromas. There is also an explosive juicy flavor of raspberry.

Winery Notes

He grew up in a poor family, and began working at a young age. In 1952, Gilbert Gruet, along with his wife Danielle, dreamt of producing fine quality Champagne. Gilbert followed his heart and in 1967 created the U.V.C.B. (Union Vinicole des Coteaux de Bethon), a co-op in the village of Bethon.

In 1983, the Gruet Family was traveling through the southwestern part of the US, and while in New Mexico met a group of European winemakers who had successfully planted vineyards in Engle, near the town of Truth or Consequences, 170 miles south of the city of Albuquerque. After hearing of vineyards planted there as early as the 1600s, and learning about the specific climate and soil conditions of the region, the Gruet Family knew they had found what they were looking for. In 1984, Gilbert Gruet – whose Champagne house (Gruet et Fils) has produced fine Champagnes in Bethon, France since 1952 – made the decision to plant an experimental vineyard in Engle, NM. The plantings were exclusively Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Two of his four children, Laurent and Nathalie Gruet then relocated to New Mexico to begin their American winemaking adventure.