„Les Longues Violes“ Cumières Premier Cru Brut Nature 2015

Wine description for „Les Longues Violes“ Cumières Premier Cru Brut Nature 2015 by Georges Laval

Colour & Appearance

Luminous golden yellow with amber reflections. The perlage is fine and persistent, typical of a Champagne with extended yeast ageing. In the glass, it displays a lively, yet not aggressive mousse.

Nose

Complex and multi-layered: ripe yellow apples, brioche and roasted hazelnuts dominate initially. Beneath these, notes of hay, chamomile and a fine honey spice unfold. The organic viticulture and barrel ageing lend the wine an earthy depth with hints of porcini mushrooms and dried herbs. With air, a subtle chalk minerality develops.

Palate

Despite zero dosage, this Brut Nature is by no means austere. The Pinot dominance brings structure and body, whilst Pinot Meunier provides smoothness. On the palate, ripe pear, quince and a saline minerality reminiscent of oyster shells present themselves. The acidity is present but perfectly integrated, the texture silky and creamy. A fine yeast note and cloves in the background testify to the lengthy ageing.

Finish

Long, precise and of impressive purity. The minerality carries far, accompanied by a fine bitterness reminiscent of grapefruit and almond skin. A hint of toasted bread and white pepper lingers.

Terroir & Origin

The vineyard site „Les Longues Violes“ in Cumières, a Premier Cru village on the Marne, produces wines of great depth. The south-facing slopes and chalky soils lend this Champagne its characteristic minerality and tension.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Cuvée of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, spontaneously fermented and aged in used barrels without fining or filtration. Minimal sulphur addition, no dosage. Vincent Laval’s philosophy: maximum purity, minimal intervention. The 2015 vintage underwent approximately 18-24 months of yeast ageing.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Scallops with nut butter, truffle risotto, Comté or aged Gruyère, pan-fried turbot, calf’s sweetbreads with morels, or simply fresh oysters.

Special Features

Organically farmed since 1971, under Vincent Laval since 1996 and established as one of Champagne’s most authentic producers. A tiny estate with only 2.5 hectares, yet regarded by connoisseurs on a par with Jacques Sélosse. A Champagne for purists.