Pinot Meunier has always played "third fiddle" to Champagne's power couple, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Growers always liked having it around because it buds later than PN and Chard, which means it's less likely to be damaged by the late frosts that can hit Champagne so far north--especially in the Marne Valley. For growers it meant diversification.For drinkers, on the other hand, it was an unglamorous variety that often came across as rustic or rough-edged. But that perception has been changing. Culty producers like Jerome Prevost and Raphael Bereche make highly sought-after Meunier-based wines. And even below the superstar level there's a whole generation of small growers who have started putting out really delicious Meunier-focused champagnes that don't break the bank.Cedric Moussé is a classic example. When he took over the family estate in 2003 he was the 12th generation to run things. He practices organic farming and makes wines that are precise, savory, and bright-fruited, with no oak influence. They show Meunier's pretty side: purity of fruit, white flowers, subtle herbal tones, and they show its terroir transparency, with clear mineral signatures.
Professional Reviews
Robert Parker
What importer Skurnik Wines has to say about this wine...
grape variety 80% Meunier, 20% Pinot Noirblend 50% 2018, 50% 2003-2017village / vyd Cuisles, Jonquery, Châtillon-sur-Marnemalo Yesmaturing Stainless steelsur latte 18+ Monthsdisgorgement September 2020 - November 2020 (0.5)A perpetual reserve is different than a solera. To make it simple, you can imagine 2 barrels. 1 full and 1 empty. You transfer half of the full one in the empty, so both are at 50%. Then, you add 50% of the new harvest in each one. You’ll bottle one of the tank, and you keep the other one to star again the next year! Cedric uses this method to strike a masterful balance between the freshness of the new vintage with the complexity and depth only “old wines” can bring.
Details
-
Grape Variety
-
Vintage
NV
-
Size
750ml
-
Farming Practice
Traditional
-
Style
Crisp , Fruity , Minerally
-
Sweetness
Champagne Brut , Dry
-
Body
Light Bodied