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Wine Description
The Story
Blend: 100% Petit Meslier
The passion of Duval-Leroy for authenticity is demonstrated in this cuvee, made only from Petit Meslier, a grape variety all but forgotten in Champagne, with a limited production quantity of 988 bottles. This robust grape thrives in clay soils like those in the Valley of the Marne.
From the 2005 vintage, this wine for the true connoisseur releases a powerful bouquet, at once both balanced and complex. Petit Meslier gives a supple and fruity character which develops a little more quickly and brings roundess to the wine. It shows a yellow colour speckled with gold.
A product of the close relationship between the vines and the sun, and a profound observance of nature, this wine causes a liveliness mixed with smooth and warm touches behind a well-balanced depth to explode in the mouth, giving pleasure to connoisseurs and lovers of distinctive flavours.
Aromas of white peach, violets and verbena will delight the keenest lovers of champagne. Its depth of flavour will express itself with potatoes stuffed with escargots, fennel, toast with quail’s eggs and cured ham.
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.