Cuvée Irizée Meunier Extra Brut 2013

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

Character

Régis Poissinet belongs to that generation of Récoltant-Manipulant growers who are returning the soul to Champagne. His Cuvée Irizée is an uncompromising homage to Pinot Meunier, that often underestimated grape variety, which here as a single-varietal vintage Champagne gets to show what it’s made of. The 2013 vintage, cool and late, demanded patience and precision – qualities that are reflected in this Extra Brut with minimal dosage. This is Champagne for purists, eschewing artifice and instead championing authenticity and terroir expression.

Terroir & Origin

Poissinet tends his parcels in the Vallée de la Marne, the classic territory of Pinot Meunier. Here, on the clay and chalky soils of the region, the grape variety finds ideal conditions. The cooler climate of the Marne imparts the grapes their characteristic freshness and tension. The 2013 vintage was challenging – a late, cool summer demanded selective hand-harvesting and rigorous selection. Yet it is precisely such vintages that produce Champagnes with nervosity, precision and ageing potential.

Grape Variety & Vinification

The Pinot Meunier is the workhorse of Champagne, usually hidden in blends, rarely in the spotlight. Poissinet trusts the variety with more: it brings round fruit, soft texture and accessible aromatics, without losing finesse. The Extra Brut dosage (under 6 g/l residual sugar) lays the cards on the table – there is no sweet masquerade here. The lengthy yeast ageing until disgorgement has given the wine complexity, depth and creamy texture, whilst the moderate alcohol content of 12.5% preserves elegance and drinkability.

Food Pairing Suggestions

A Champagne of this style demands equally honest cuisine: oysters, scallops or raw fish harmonise with the saline minerality. Poultry in cream sauce, sweetbreads or mushroom dishes play with the creamy texture. Also an excellent choice with aged Comté or Brie de Meaux.