Champagne Nicolas Maillart Les Loges Extra Brut 1er Cru

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Champagne
Champagne Nicolas Maillart

Our tasting impressions

How do I convey how fun and refreshing this bubbly is without leading you to think it is not a seriously fine wine? The color surprised me at first - it's something between golden and amber. Oh so Pinot on the nose! It's lively, zesty and perky. I guess that can happen when you don't add sulfites. But this is a very stable and conventional wine rather than an oddball natural one. Tasting this kept reminding me of when you peel the first piece of rind off a citrus fruit and there is a puff of dust. It's something between zest and fruit and it's everything delicious.


About this wine

The maiden vintage of this 100% Pinot Noir (selection Massale) Premier Cru from Villers Allerand. The vines, planted in clay and chalk soil originating in the Thanetian period. They are managed biologically, bio-dynamically and classically as necessary - with respect for the rhythm of the plants.

 

Grapes, mostly from 2018 were slowly and gently pressed using gravity-flow techniques. Vinification was with spontaneous fermentation in new French oak and with regular battonage. No malolactic fermentation and no sulfites were added.  Aging takes place on the lees for 9 months. Zero Dosage. Disgorged 10/2020.


About the grape

Pinot Noir is an ancient grape from eastern France. Notoriously challenging, it thrives in cooler climates.  It is one of only two red grapes permitted in Champagne. Champagne from Pinot Noir tends to be richer and fuller, and some would argue, more elegant.

 

Suggested Glassware: Grassl Mineralité