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Wine Description
The Story
Les Cintres is one of a trio of single plot cuvées, of which 2008 is the second vintage after 2006. The cuvée comes from vines grown on hillsides, which are the most exposed to sun and the oldest (up to 70 years of age), at the heart of this exceptional vineyard. 2,187 bottles produced.
the blend
100% Pinots Noirs. 100% first-press juice from the central plots « Les Grands Cintres » and « Les Petits Cintres » in Clos des Goisses, Mareuil-sur-Ay.
vinification
Vinified using traditional methods to avoid premature oxidation, with no malolactic fermentation. All the wines are fermented in casks. "Extra-brut" dosage (4.5 g/litre) to maintain a balance between freshness and vinosity without masking the wine’s character and purity.
aging
Aged for more than nine years in the House’s cellars at a constant temperature of 12°C to develop maximum complexity and to highlight the wine’s secondary and tertiary aromas, which are the hallmark of extended aging on lees.
Vintage 2006
A cold winter and springtime frosts laid the foundations for this vintage of abundant yields (12,997 kg/ha). Uneventful flowering was followed by exceptionally hot and sunny weather, which lasted until August. A dank August left producers fearful but fortunately warm, bright conditions in September redressed the balance. Harvest commenced on September 9th, producing grapes high in sugar level but notably low on acidity. The general health of the grapes was sufficient, producing wines which excel over the preceding 2005 vintage, another warm and ample year. The year's greatest wines are supple and expressive and despite the richness they escape being overly heavy. Overt and welcoming upon launch, the best come with excellent capacity for ageing. Winey, and richly fruity characters, most Champagnes regrettably miss some tension and finesse. Wines of the vintage include Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, Krug Vintage and Dom Pérignon Rosé.