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Wine Description
The Story
Mareuil-sur-Ay is one of a trio of single plot cuvées, of which 2008 is the second vintage after 2006. The selected plots are part of, or adjacent to Clos des Goisses. Only 3,339 bottles of this vintage were produced.
the blend
100% Pinots Noirs from the village of Mareuil-sur-Ay and the House’s historic terroirs. First press juice of exclusively Premier Cru grapes from the heart of the Champagne wine-growing area. The 2008 vintage comprises blends from the Valofroy and Dessus des Goisses plots.
vinification
Vinified using traditional methods to avoid premature oxidation. Partial malolactic fermentation of the wines in vats and vinification without malolactic fermentation of the wines in wooden barrels (44%). « 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 at least seven 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.