Grand Cru Millésime 2015 Blanc de Blancs
BLEND:
This Blanc de Blancs champagne is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes selected in Grand Cru villages from the Côte des Blancs. It draws its slender, supremely elegant character from the high-quality, distrinctive soils, gaining body and minerality from vines cultivated on chalk, the hallmark of prestigious champagne.
Aged at least 8 years in the cellars.
Appearance: platinum-hued with flashes of green, and a fine, lively bead nurtured over many years in the cellars. Creamy effervescence.
Nose: Very open, as evidenced in the lingering floral tones of fragrant limeblossom, acacia and jasmine. Gaining in richness, the wine offers seductive, pastry notes of custard, vanilla and pain aux raisins.
Palate: Initially exudes notes of citrus rind and liquorice. The Grand Cru Chardonnay grapes instantly flaunt their essentially slender character, remarkable citrus fruit structure, while intense and multi-layered. Utterly well-balanced, bringing complexity and the promise of great longevity.
The Chardonnay unleashed lively notes of juniper berries, star anise and hawthorn. Refreshing on the finish, with a delectably moreish, minty freshness.
DRINKING OCCASIONS:
As an aperitif: best served at 9-10°C.
With food: best served at 10-12°C.
PAIRINGS:
Shellfish and crustaceans;
Scallops;
Seabream ceviche;
Noble fish: grilled seabass or turbot.
2015 IN CHAMPAGNE
After 1976 and 2003, 2015 was right up there as France’s third hottest year since 1951. From mid-May, drought conditions went from bad to worse and lasted until the second half of August. For three long months, Champagne was marked by unprecedented temperatures which only marginally slowed development in the grapes. Quite unexpectedly, from 15 August torrential rain lashed the vineyards for two whole weeks. At the same time, thankfully, the temperatures dropped markedly and reduced the risk of disease. The grapes were then able to flourish without affecting ripening or disrupting the harvest.
Erring on the side of caution, harvesting was scrupulously monitored across the entire region in order to ensure perfect ripeness and adequate sugar levels (potential alcohol). The grapes were in perfect health and the ripe grape must promised full, rounded wines.
BLANC DE BLANCS CHAMPAGNE
3 main grape varieties are used in the composition of champagne: Chardonnay, a grape with white skin and white juice, Pinot Noir and Meunier, two grapes with black skin and white juice.
A Blanc de Blancs champagne is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes: it is the most sought-after grape variety in champagne because it brings finesse, elegance, freshness and liveliness to the wine.
On tasting, Chardonnay brings citrus fruit aromas. But, after a few years of evolution, it develops notes of candied fruit, toasted bread, brioche and pastries.
