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Wine Description
The Story
Special Club Cuvée is presented in an elegant and original bottle, created by the CLUB DE VITICULTEURS CHAMPENOIS, an association of winegrowers of the most renowned vintages. By being part of this Club, we have given ourselves the task of promoting the excellence of the Estate's Champagnes through Prestige Cuvées by constantly drawing inspiration from three principles: authenticity, rigor, originality.
Origin: Aÿ Grand Cru
Blend: Pinot Noir 70%, Chardonnay 30%
Vinification: Fermentation and malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tank
Dosage: 8g/L
Tasting notes: Large effervescence of fine bubbles feeds a persistent bead of foam. Satin golden yellow color, with a beautiful luminous shine with umber reflections. Perfect shine. Nice effervescence when served with generous bubbling and the presence of numerous trains of dynamic bubbles, rather fleeting and discreet foam hold in a fine necklace. A first expressive nose with floral aromas. When aired, there are citrus notes (lemon and mandarin) giving it a refreshing character. Biscuit notes bring complexity and translate a blooming maturity synonymous with fullness. In the end, touches of honey. The attack on the palate is full-bodied and fruity, invigorating with degassing that continues in the palate with pleasure and gluttony. Chardonnay first expresses itself with pretty notes of mandarins and candied citrus fruits, then with a noble saline and chalky bitterness. Pinot, in turn, expresses itself on autumnal and slightly peaty tones with almond tiles. A meringue, biscuit-like expression takes us to a gourmet and generous dimension to blossom on notes of cooked rhubarb and barley sugar. The finish is long, frank and refreshing, slightly kirsch, embellished with mocha fragrances reminiscent of Pinot Noir, the charismatic Ay grape. The wine shines for a long time in the mouth and is a real invitation to repeat it.
Vintage 2007
An unusually warm spring led to early flowering and initial optimism, which soon gave way to disappointment following one of the murkiest summers on record. Overall, 2007 was a difficult vintage saved by last-minute sunshine in late-August. Mildew and rot were the main culprits of the harvest, and the level of gluconic acid rocketed. The harvest began early, on August 24th, and was abundant in volume averaging 14,242 kg/ha. Pinot Meunier posed the biggest problems and Chardonnay clearly outperformed the rest. Many of the iconic prestige cuvée blanc de blancs were successfully produced, such as Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, Ruinart Dom Ruinart, Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Louis and Salon Le Mesnil. Some blended prestige cuvées such as Louis Roederer Cristal and Philipponnat Clos des Goisses were also made. Champagnes from 2007 are typically high in acidity and restrainedly classic in style, but lack the spine and strength of the greatest harvest years. Even if the vintage only receives three stars, its best Chardonnays are well worth seeking and storing.