L’Étincelante Brut Nature 2002

Wine Description for L’Étincelante Brut Nature 2002 by Tarlant

Colour & Appearance

Sparkling lemon yellow with exceptionally fine, persistent mousse. The Mousseux presents itself creamy and elegant – a visual harbinger of impressive maturity.

Nose

A monumental aromatic spectrum that impressively documents 19 years on the lees. Roasted hazelnuts and almonds dominate initially, followed by buttered brioche and almond biscuits. Multifaceted apple notes – yellow and green – alternate with lemon tart and caramelised meringue. Behind this opulent aromatics stands a crystalline chalky minerality, guaranteeing complexity and finesse.

Palate

The attack immediately reveals power and precision. The creamy mousse merges with yeast autolysis into an opulent opening, before a perfectly balanced acidity sets in and creates tension. This tightrope walk between maturity and freshness is masterfully executed: lemon and apple aromas bring vibrancy, whilst minerality provides structure. The mouthfeel remains elegant and delicate despite the complexity – a Champagne in dignified maturity.

Finish

Extraordinarily long and persistent. The aromas cling to the palate, the minerality carries through to the finale. An aftertaste that resonates for minutes.

Terroir & Origin

Six individual vineyard sites in Œuilly and Celles-lès-Condé in the Vallée de la Marne form the foundation. The soils range from flint through chalk to limestone – a diversity that lends the wine its extraordinary complexity. Sustainable viticulture with minimal soil disturbance and herbal medicine practices.

Grape Variety & Vinification

57% Chardonnay, 29% Pinot Noir, 14% Meunier. Spontaneous fermentation in Burgundy oak barrels, no malolactic fermentation. Bottled in July 2003, disgorged only in June 2022 after 19 years on the lees. Brut Nature – zero dosage. Only 5,000 bottles.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Turbot with Beurre Blanc, almonds and roasted cauliflower, veal fillet with herb jus and Pommes Dauphine or roasted white cabbage with Parmesan and Hollandaise sauce.

Special Features

The legendary vintage 2002 – the first great harvest of a generation. An extreme time on the lees of nearly two decades makes this Champagne a monument to patience and craftsmanship.