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Wine Description
The Story
This cuvée was named in tribute to Louis, Elisabeth Salmon’s brother, who was passionate about oenology and highly involved in from the earliest creation of the House. Originating from the best parcels of the Côte des Blancs, the Blanc de Blancs vintage is impressed with a purity and minerality.
This cuvée is created from 3 Grands Crus from the Côte des Blancs: Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant.
Dosage: 7g/l
Vinification: 50% vinified in oak casks. Partial malolactic fermentation
Ageing on lees: 10 years
Tasting notes: This cuvée exhibits the noble elegance of a defined and mineral Chardonnay. Its natural balance replicates a harmonious model of a blend of the best Grands Crus sites of the Côte des Blancs.
Wine Information
Vivacity and delicacy
Chardonnay in grand style, a model of balance and a pure product of the Chardonnay vine, it is the result of a blend of the best grands crus sites of the Côte des Blancs: Chouilly for its finesse, Avize for its power and Mesnil-sur-Oger for its structure and longevity.
Appearance: Pale gold, this cuvée displays a mousse that is both fine and delicate.
Aroma: Mineral and citrus fruits initially, followed by perfumes of white flowers.
Palate: A vintage characterised by its lively yet delicate flavour followed by a long finish - an outstanding way to fully appreciate all the character of Chardonnay. Its elegant and gracious vinosity is particularly appreciated by connoisseurs.
Serving: An ideal champagne for an aperitif, this Blanc de Blancs will also delightfully enhance the flavours of exceptional fish or seafood.
Vintage 1996
Up to this point 1996 has been considered a fantastic vintage which produced classic wines; the best since 1990. A long, dry summer produced grapes of record ripeness with record acidity. Some, including myself, question how the 1996s are aging. The wines are generally characterized by a distinctive rather lemony acidity and very good attack, but some wines now seem terribly austere, while others already seem dangerously short of fruit. None of the subsequent vintages are quite as distinctive as 1996, which in the more successful cases should almost certainly be drunk after the 1999s.