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The Kirkland Signature Brut Champagne (2024) is a $19.99 Costco exclusive made for them by Manuel Janisson, a third-generation Champagne winemaker. His Grandfather established their winery in 1923.
The Story
Janisson et Fil was a Champagne House in the LVHM group. They specialize in the most elite brands. Companies under their umbrella include Dior, Givenchy, Vuitton, and Marc Jacobs, as well as Champagne, Moet and Chandon, Dom Perignon, and others.
LVHM discontinued Janisson Champagne and the vineyards (in Grand Cru village of Champagne) were sent to be used by the other Champagne Houses. Manuel Janisson seems to have started a winery in South America and does other projects such as the Costco Champagne.
The Kirkland Signature Brut Champagne (2024) seems to be the same non-vintage Bubbly year after year.
The blend is Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Champagne which are the three main grapes of Champagne, the use of Pinot Meunier as the lead grape is a little unusual but not unheard of.
LVHM does not seem to have any relationship with this particular Bubbly, but that Manuel Janisson was a part of that group shows the quality of his work.
How can a real French Champagne be so inexpensive?
The grapes are probably purchased from growers, the Janisson winery has been in Champagne is 1923 and they have many contacts. The top Champagne Houses use on the first run juice for their Bubbly.
The first run is the initial juice released by the grapes at the first press, the subsequent pressing is sold off. The Kirkland Signature Brut Champagne (2024) could be using juice for later pressings. The alcohol content is 12%.
The Kirkland Signature Brut Champagne (2024) Tasting Notes
The color is a glistening, shining gold. The nose is crisp and clean, there is grapefruit, green apple, peach, crusty bread, mint, light spice, and faint cherry. The Kirkland Signature Brut Champagne (2024) is a bright, lemony Bubbly, with nice balance and good length.
This Champagne tastes like grapefruit, lemon, crisp apple, a hint of cream, and a hint of sweet spice. The mid-palate shows a little brioche, faint black cherry, and dried pineapple.
The acidity is very well controlled and the flavors are allowed to roll on and on.
The Summary
- The Kirkland Signature Brut Champagne (2024) is an excellent buy at $19.99.
- Real French Champagne that is really good.
- Is it the equivalent of a $65 Champagne? No, but it is a pleasure to sip at a very attractive price.
