Cuvée Irizée Meunier Extra Brut 2013

Wine Description for Cuvée Irizée Meunier Extra Brut 2013 by Régis Poissinet

Character

Régis Poissinet belongs to that new generation of Récoltant-Manipulants in Champagne who consistently place terroir at the centre of their work – and with the Cuvée Irizée he makes a remarkable statement in favour of a grape variety that is often underestimated. Extra Brut with only minimal dosage means radical honesty here: no artifice, no soft focus – just the vintage 2013 in its full, clear substance. A champagne for those who wish to listen.

Terroir & Origin

Poissinet is based in Celles-sur-Ource in the Côte des Bar, that southern corner of Champagne which speaks its own geological and climatic language: Kimmeridgian limestone – the same primordial bedrock that lends Chablis its mineral austerity – shapes the soils and gives the wines an earth-rooted, almost austere depth. The 2013 vintage was cool and challenging, yet it produced wines of remarkable tension and acidity structure – ideal conditions for a long-lived Blanc de Noirs.

Grape Variety & Vinification

The Pinot Meunier – known in Germany as Müllerrebe – is the hidden soul of many great assemblages, yet is rarely presented so confidently as a solo performer as it is here. The variety brings fruit depth, warmth and a silky texture which, in interplay with the Côte des Bar minerality, unfolds an unusual complexity. The Extra Brut dosage underscores Poissinet’s artisanal philosophy: the wine should speak for itself, not be smoothed over by sugar. Purism as a principle.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The combination of lively acidity, ripe fruit and mineral precision makes this champagne a versatile table companion. It harmonises beautifully with grilled turbot, lobster with beurre blanc or scallops on pea purée. Gently aged Comté or roasted poultry are equally rewarding partners. Those who enjoy it as an aperitif should serve it well chilled – at around 9–10 °C it reveals its full eloquence.