G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne Review: Mumm’s The Word On This Brut!

Currently the world’s 4th largest supplier of Champagne, GH Mumm has a long history dating back to 1827. Their entry Cordon Rouge cuvée is available all around the world and can be picked up at most outlets.

In the following review, you will discover GH Mumm’s Cordon Rouge. Here you’ll learn about its robe, nose and the palate you would experience when trying it. We’ll also cover the general experience, value for money and pairings.

Overview Of GH Mumm Cordon Rouge

• House: G.H. Mumm
• Cuvée: Cordon Rouge
• Location: Reims, Montagne de Reims
• Grape Classification: Cru
• Vintage: No
• Blending Style: Tradition
• Grapes Used: 45% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay
• Sugar Content: Brut
• Producer Identifier: NM-257-001
• Price On Wine.com: $40 [Buy Now]
• [Learn More About Identifying Champagne From The Label]

GH Mumm was founded in 1827 by three German brothers, Gottlieb, Jacobus and Philipp. They moved from their home in Köln where their father had a successful wine business as P.A. (Peter Arnold) Mumm. It wasn’t until 1852 that the house took its full name when Peter Arnold’s grandson, Georges Hermann, took the reins.

Meanwhile, the cuvée “Cordon Rouge” was released in 1876. It was named thus after the red sash worn by those awarded the Légion d’Honneur, a title similar to a knighthood. Furthermore, the bottles used to be delivered with a red silk sash as a display of the Champagne’s quality.

GH Mumm has a long history with sporting events. In the past, they were the official sponsors of F1 Racing. Nowadays, they still supply both the Kentucky Derby and Australian Melbourne Cup. Additionally, they sponsor Usain Bolt who is their current ambassador.

Today, Cordon Rouge’s production is a large-scale operation with grapes sourced from 77 different crus. Overall, a bottle typically consists of 25 to 30% of reserve wine. The sugar content itself is a typical Brut consisting of approximately 8g per litre. Finally, a bottle of Cordon Rouge is aged usually around 2.5 years.

GH Mumm Cordon Rouge’s Robe & Perlage

Robe Observations:

• Hue: Mid-Gold
• Transparency: Clear
• Bubbles: Lively & Refined

Firstly, Cordon Rouge is a frothy Champagne that gives off a striking mousse. Cordon Rouge’s robe comes across as a generally mid-gold hue, which suggests a relative mature non-vintage. Similarly, we’re looking at a Champagne that’s generally clear.

In addition, the bubbles or “perlage” are energetic but not overly refined but still small.

GH Mumm Cordon Rouge’s Nose & Bouquet

Detected Nose Notes:

• Initial: Lemon Meringue, Mirabelle Plum
• Latent: Pastry, Earthy

Cordon Rouge’s nose opens up with zesty notes that develop into a cream lemon meringue accord. Shortly after, there are notes of mirabelle plum followed by hints of pastry and an earthy aroma.

After the lemon meringue accord, the lingering aromas are somewhat vague but still perceptible. Nevertheless, they’re not extremely lucid. Overall, the nose is quite simple rather than complex with only a slight element of diversity.

GH Mumm’s Palate & Mouthfeel

Tasted Palate Notes:

• Opening: Lemon, Peaches, Flowers
• Heart: Baked Green Apples, Rhubarb, Raspberry
• Finish: Brioche Pastry, Vanilla, Chalk
• Overall Flavour Length: Medium

Despite expectations edging towards a blast of citrus in the opening, the first notes are more laid back. Indeed, the first note begin with a mellow lemon flavour accompanied by peaches and white flowers.

As the opening notes begin to subside, there’s a distinctive Chardonnay heart, which consists of baked green fruit. Tantalising notes of smokey green apples, rhubarb and pears wash across the palate before a sharp raspberry pique.

Finally, the palate ends on a vanilla brioche accord accord with a lingering chalk finish. Although the final notes are enduring, they’re not particularly long. Nevertheless, this is still a pleasantly quaffable experience.

Overall Experience & Value For Money

Firstly, GH Mumm’s contents is delivered in a grandiose and classic-looking bottle with its renowned red label. As mentioned above, the label is adorned by an imposing red sash echoing back to the Légion dHonneur. Meanwhile, the house’s name is etched in gold over the red ribbon.

In addition, the plaque has a nice touch by featuring an illustration of the original silk-sashed bottle on a cream background.

With regards to the cork, it slowly began to regain its shape but didn’t completely. Therefore, it can be presumed that it had been bottled some time ago.

Finally, the value for money is quite reasonable. Unlike many Champagne’s in the USA, it sits quite low around the $40 on wine.com.

Naturally, it’s cheaper in France. However, few grande marque Champagnes retain a decent price point by the time they arrive State-side.

Best Pairings With GH Mumm Cordon Rouge

Given that Cordon Rouge’s palate is relatively subdued with no overt yeast or citrus note, it’s a versatile option for pairing. Nevertheless, being on the delicate end, it’s not a Champagne that would suit overly flavourful or strong food. That said, it pairs quite well with very salty dishes.

For instance, Cordon Rouge would be a solid choice for apéritifs such as bread sticks, French fries, potato chips, nuts and popcorn. Additionally, it’s a beverage that goes well with fish-based starters and dishes. Caviar, fish eggs and oysters would be solid choices.

As far as dishes are concerned, it pairs best with sushi as it’s quite mild. However, it can be accorded with cured meat, savoury pastries, shellfish and white meat. However, it wouldn’t be a Champagne fit for pairing with either cheese or desserts. It lacks the character required for the former and isn’t sweet enough for the latter.

Finally, Cordon Rouge is best served at a cool 8°C (46.4°F). Any cooler and you would lose out on its mild palate whilst allowing it to warm up would reveal too much alcohol.

When Should You Drink GH Mumm Cordon Rouge?

Being a reputable Champagne, Mumm would be a fine choice for parties and social gatherings. However, it lacks that panache and character you would want for truly special occasions.

Nevertheless, its grandiose label would be quite fitting for relatively high brow occasions even among friends.

If you’re looking to add a touch of class to a friendly get-together without over-spending, Cordon Rouge is an ideal choice. After all, it’s a casual yet refined Champagne as we highlighted in our recent Top 5.

Otherwise, as mentioned above, Cordon Rouge is a great Champagne for low-key meals. Its modest palate means that it will pair well with mild dishes and add a delicate touch to the occasion.

Closing Thoughts

If you’re looking for a reasonably price yet decent quality Champagne, GH Mumm’s Cordon Rouge is a readily-available alternative. Sitting in a lower price point than many of its rivals, it’s a popular Champagne for more low key events.

However, Cordon Rouge does seem to lack that extra character that you may look for in a Champagne. Therefore, don’t expect something that will blow you away. Nevertheless, it’s a quaffable and enjoyable choice.

What more on GH Mumm’s Cordon Rouge? Watch the video below to see our first impressions!

About the Author: Charles-Philippe

Charles-Philippe's work has covered a broad range of subjects from cigars and fragrances to wine and spirits. Fascinated by how history and culture together form the unique contemporary identities of alcoholic beverages, his articles follow an in-depth exploration of their development through a combination of tradition and innovation.

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