Langenlois Grosse Reserve Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature 2017

The great reserve from Fred Loimer is an assemblage of 55% Pinot Blanc, 40% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Gris. The grapes were harvested exclusively by hand and then pressed without maceration, including stems and stalks. After natural sedimentation, spontaneous fermentation took place in large wood at controlled temperature followed by malolactic fermentation. After one year on the full lees, the wine was drawn off at the next harvest and then went into the steel tank on the fine lees. Bottled unfiltered on 07 June 2019, the Grande Reserve was disgorged in November 2022 and bottled with zero dosage.

Bright yellow with steady perlage, radiant and clear.

The overture is made by a warm, freshly baked yeast plait before sunrise, whose comforting scent has set out to banish all evil from the world. Gradually, with further aeration, notes of dried pears and apples emerge, reminiscent of apple strudel with a pinch of salt in the strudel dough and a bowl of roasted, salted almonds casually standing around. Top notes reveal lemon blossom and orange blossom water, a little poked oyster shell makes the wheel go round.

With a finely bubbly, punchy mousseux, it completely clothes the palate with glitter. Ripe pome fruits, yellow plump pears and small hard cider apples dominate the aromatic dryness, the fruit is rich in extract, always balanced by a touch of salt that brings everything into the right balance. Oxidised apple, salt-buttered toast and orange zest are complemented by green almonds and delicately citrusy notes.