2012 Champagne Frerejean Frères Cuvee des Hussards Vieilles Vignes Premier Cru
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Region | |
| Appellation | |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2012 |
| Grape | , |
| Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (12.5%) |
| Drink window | 2020 - 2028 |
Low Stock
Only 2 left
Description
Champagne Frerejean Frères, founded by the Frerejean-Taittinger brothers, only produces Champagne from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards in Grauves, Côte des Blancs. They are very finesse-rich wines with a special complexity. These very elegant and fresh Champagnes are produced with little dosage (only 6.5 grams per liter). They obtain their roundness and complexity through maturation sur lies of at least five years. After 5 years of ripening on the lie still at least 1 year in own cellars.
The Cuvée des Hussards is named after the light cavalry of Napoleon (who was the first to sabble a bottle of Champagne). This champagne Cuvée des Hussards 1er Cru is a blend of the typical champagne grape varieties namely 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir and ripens for more than 8 years on its own yeasts (sur lie). This is a so-called millisieme which means that this is not a blend of several years but a champagne which is made from an exceptional year. As all champions of Frerejean Frères distinguish themselves in particular in elegance and sophistication, this Brut 1er Cru also has these characteristics.
This is a powerful and very rich champagne. In the nose especially a lot of stone fruit such as apricot and peach with apple and pear, followed by subtle grid tones. In the mouth the wine is intense but with a soft pallet with layers of white fruit with a very fine, creamy mousse. This is the top version of Frerejean Frères and is a wine to be enjoyed and is great with fresh dishes such as oysters and ceviche but also rich meals such as duck confit and roast veal.
97/100 Decanter
Specifications
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Appellation | Côte des Blancs |
| Winery | Frerejean Frères |
| Grape | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2012 |
| Drinking as of | 2020 |
| Drinking till | 2028 |
| Alcohol % | 12.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | Yes |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Tasting Profiles | Complex, Droog, Fris, Mineraal, Strak, Wit fruit |
| Drink moments | Cadeau!, Iets te vieren, Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Romantisch |
Professional Reviews
97/100
97/100 - Decanter World Wine Awards
96+/100 - Bordeaux Index
Trophy Winner & Gold Medal, Classic & Elegant category - Glass of Bubbly
"Pale and lively. Straight up the nose. Quite different from the wines so far. More lively and tense but good undertow. Fruit not oak expressed here. Racy with depth and undertow. Vibrant "
17/20 Jancis Robinson
"Pale yellow colour with slightly greenish hue. Delightful nose reminiscent of lemon zest, green figs, greengage, Nashi pear, starfruit and a discreet hint of iodine marine air. On the palate well structured with crisp acidity, lively and fine mousseux, exquisite fruit flavour on the restrained side, distinct minerality. An excellent wine with depth and salivary character."
98/100 - Markus del Monego MW
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Wijnhuis
Welcome to the world of Frerejean Frères, where Champagne is more than just a wine—it’s a story. A story that begins with two brothers: Guillaume and Rodolphe Frerejean Taittinger. Born from a rare blend of aristocratic winemaking heritage and Burgundian boldness, they carry a dual legacy that can be tasted in every drop.
Frerejean Frères: A Champagne House with a Dual Legacy
On their mother’s side runs the iconic Taittinger lineage—synonymous with refinement, tradition, and a deep connection to the Champagne terroir. On their father’s side lives the spirit of Burgundy: courage, craftsmanship, and the fiery drive of generations of master forgers. Their ancestors forged the famous Frerejean cannons in 1778, crucial during the Napoleonic battles.
Fun fact: the cavalry that used these cannons—the Hussards—were the first to saber Champagne. And yes, at Frerejean Frères, that tradition is still alive and well at their own celebrations.
The History of Champagne Frerejean Frères
In 2005, Guillaume and Rodolphe embarked on their own Champagne adventure in the Grand Cru village of Avize, at the heart of the Côte des Blancs. No mass production or commercial shortcuts, but a clear vision: to craft great Champagnes that stand the test of time. Wines that reward patience, where time slowly unveils the soul of the Champagne.
Their first vintage? The Cuvée des Hussards, an homage to their heritage and the flamboyant cavalry that once bore their name. It wasn’t until 2011—six years later—that the wine was revealed to the world. A cuvée that immediately made waves and set the tone for what Frerejean Frères would become: a house where quality is sacred.
The Power of Time: The Frerejean Philosophy
At Frerejean Frères, time is not the enemy—it is a trusted ally. “Time Reveals” is more than a slogan—it’s a way of life. Every bottle is given the time it needs: 4 to 12 years of aging on the lees. Far beyond the industry standard. The result? Rich, complex aromas found nowhere else.
And you can taste it. In the finesse of their Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs. In the depth of their vintage cuvées. In the subtle oak influence from old Burgundy barrels, sourced from legendary terroirs such as Corton-Charlemagne.
A Terroir with Character: The Côte des Blancs
Frerejean Frères Champagnes are born on an exceptional terroir: the chalk-rich soils of the Côte des Blancs, once formed by an ancient sea filled with fossils. Their home base, Avize, is a Grand Cru village with an almost mystical connection to Chardonnay.
Each village has a unique story to tell:
- Avize offers salinity and crisp fruit,
- Grauves brings roundness through its unique microclimate,
- Cramant delivers deep minerality thanks to old vines with deep roots.
Fun fact: the chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs reflect sunlight—even underground! This gentle warming of the roots contributes to the elegance of the wines.
At Frerejean Frères, nothing is left to chance.
Every step, from hand harvesting to blind dosage of the liqueur d’expédition, is a deliberate choice. Bottling is done late—much later than in most houses. And when blending, each cuvée is crafted based on the personality of every plot, vinification method, and vintage. This commitment has led to truly unique creations, including Champagnes partially aged in Burgundy barrels and blends enhanced by reserve wines for added depth.
No wonder Michelin-starred chefs have embraced the house. Frerejean Frères is a long-standing partner of the Michelin Guide, both in France and globally. And since 2024, the house is also the official partner of Les Grandes Tables du Monde—an elite network of the world’s best 2- and 3-star restaurants.
2025: 20 Years, 1 Iconic Cuvée
To celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025, the brothers launched a truly special project: a 100% Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, aged for ten years, matured in old barrels from the legendary Corton-Charlemagne. A bridge between Champagne and Burgundy. Between past and future. A cuvée that encapsulates everything Frerejean Frères stands for: time, terroir, and tradition.
Champagne Frerejean Frères, founded by the Frerejean-Taittinger brothers, only produces Champagne from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards in Grauves, Côte des Blancs. They are very finesse-rich wines with a special complexity. These very elegant and fresh Champagnes are produced with little dosage (only 6.5 grams per liter). They obtain their roundness and complexity through maturation sur lies of at least five years. After 5 years of ripening on the lie still at least 1 year in own cellars.
The Cuvée des Hussards is named after the light cavalry of Napoleon (who was the first to sabble a bottle of Champagne). This champagne Cuvée des Hussards 1er Cru is a blend of the typical champagne grape varieties namely 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir and ripens for more than 8 years on its own yeasts (sur lie). This is a so-called millisieme which means that this is not a blend of several years but a champagne which is made from an exceptional year. As all champions of Frerejean Frères distinguish themselves in particular in elegance and sophistication, this Brut 1er Cru also has these characteristics.
This is a powerful and very rich champagne. In the nose especially a lot of stone fruit such as apricot and peach with apple and pear, followed by subtle grid tones. In the mouth the wine is intense but with a soft pallet with layers of white fruit with a very fine, creamy mousse. This is the top version of Frerejean Frères and is a wine to be enjoyed and is great with fresh dishes such as oysters and ceviche but also rich meals such as duck confit and roast veal.
97/100 Decanter
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Appellation | Côte des Blancs |
| Winery | Frerejean Frères |
| Grape | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2012 |
| Drinking as of | 2020 |
| Drinking till | 2028 |
| Alcohol % | 12.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | Yes |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Tasting Profiles | Complex, Droog, Fris, Mineraal, Strak, Wit fruit |
| Drink moments | Cadeau!, Iets te vieren, Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Romantisch |
97/100
97/100 - Decanter World Wine Awards
96+/100 - Bordeaux Index
Trophy Winner & Gold Medal, Classic & Elegant category - Glass of Bubbly
"Pale and lively. Straight up the nose. Quite different from the wines so far. More lively and tense but good undertow. Fruit not oak expressed here. Racy with depth and undertow. Vibrant "
17/20 Jancis Robinson
"Pale yellow colour with slightly greenish hue. Delightful nose reminiscent of lemon zest, green figs, greengage, Nashi pear, starfruit and a discreet hint of iodine marine air. On the palate well structured with crisp acidity, lively and fine mousseux, exquisite fruit flavour on the restrained side, distinct minerality. An excellent wine with depth and salivary character."
98/100 - Markus del Monego MW
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Welcome to the world of Frerejean Frères, where Champagne is more than just a wine—it’s a story. A story that begins with two brothers: Guillaume and Rodolphe Frerejean Taittinger. Born from a rare blend of aristocratic winemaking heritage and Burgundian boldness, they carry a dual legacy that can be tasted in every drop.
Frerejean Frères: A Champagne House with a Dual Legacy
On their mother’s side runs the iconic Taittinger lineage—synonymous with refinement, tradition, and a deep connection to the Champagne terroir. On their father’s side lives the spirit of Burgundy: courage, craftsmanship, and the fiery drive of generations of master forgers. Their ancestors forged the famous Frerejean cannons in 1778, crucial during the Napoleonic battles.
Fun fact: the cavalry that used these cannons—the Hussards—were the first to saber Champagne. And yes, at Frerejean Frères, that tradition is still alive and well at their own celebrations.
The History of Champagne Frerejean Frères
In 2005, Guillaume and Rodolphe embarked on their own Champagne adventure in the Grand Cru village of Avize, at the heart of the Côte des Blancs. No mass production or commercial shortcuts, but a clear vision: to craft great Champagnes that stand the test of time. Wines that reward patience, where time slowly unveils the soul of the Champagne.
Their first vintage? The Cuvée des Hussards, an homage to their heritage and the flamboyant cavalry that once bore their name. It wasn’t until 2011—six years later—that the wine was revealed to the world. A cuvée that immediately made waves and set the tone for what Frerejean Frères would become: a house where quality is sacred.
The Power of Time: The Frerejean Philosophy
At Frerejean Frères, time is not the enemy—it is a trusted ally. “Time Reveals” is more than a slogan—it’s a way of life. Every bottle is given the time it needs: 4 to 12 years of aging on the lees. Far beyond the industry standard. The result? Rich, complex aromas found nowhere else.
And you can taste it. In the finesse of their Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs. In the depth of their vintage cuvées. In the subtle oak influence from old Burgundy barrels, sourced from legendary terroirs such as Corton-Charlemagne.
A Terroir with Character: The Côte des Blancs
Frerejean Frères Champagnes are born on an exceptional terroir: the chalk-rich soils of the Côte des Blancs, once formed by an ancient sea filled with fossils. Their home base, Avize, is a Grand Cru village with an almost mystical connection to Chardonnay.
Each village has a unique story to tell:
- Avize offers salinity and crisp fruit,
- Grauves brings roundness through its unique microclimate,
- Cramant delivers deep minerality thanks to old vines with deep roots.
Fun fact: the chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs reflect sunlight—even underground! This gentle warming of the roots contributes to the elegance of the wines.
At Frerejean Frères, nothing is left to chance.
Every step, from hand harvesting to blind dosage of the liqueur d’expédition, is a deliberate choice. Bottling is done late—much later than in most houses. And when blending, each cuvée is crafted based on the personality of every plot, vinification method, and vintage. This commitment has led to truly unique creations, including Champagnes partially aged in Burgundy barrels and blends enhanced by reserve wines for added depth.
No wonder Michelin-starred chefs have embraced the house. Frerejean Frères is a long-standing partner of the Michelin Guide, both in France and globally. And since 2024, the house is also the official partner of Les Grandes Tables du Monde—an elite network of the world’s best 2- and 3-star restaurants.
2025: 20 Years, 1 Iconic Cuvée
To celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025, the brothers launched a truly special project: a 100% Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, aged for ten years, matured in old barrels from the legendary Corton-Charlemagne. A bridge between Champagne and Burgundy. Between past and future. A cuvée that encapsulates everything Frerejean Frères stands for: time, terroir, and tradition.