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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 1999
A difficult start to the year led to early budbreak. There were some damaging hailstorms in early May, but the frost ultimately stayed away. The summer was overall warm and thanks to the hot and dry August, the grapes looked promising for the harvest. However, a damp September challenged producers and dilution was an issue for some. The 1999 harvest that started on September 15th produced a large yield (12,989 kg/ha) of sweet grapes that resulted in soft wines, low in acidity, which produced Champagnes that, in many cases, miss linearity and structure. Voluptuous and enjoyable with ripe, fruity, even exotic characters but in most cases for the medium-term only, even if the best seem to be maturing better than initially expected. The red wines of the year were exceptional and resulted in some outstanding prestige cuvée rosés, such as Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé, Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rosé and Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé.