Les Montchenevaux au Levant, Oger Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 2014

Wine description for Les Montchenevaux au Levant Oger Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 2014 by Waris-Larmandier

Colour & Appearance

Pale golden yellow with fine, elegant perlage. The Mousseux presents itself discreetly and restrained – a deliberate stylistic choice with only 4.5 bar instead of the customary 6 bar bottle pressure.

Nose

A Champagne of remarkable maturity and complexity. Ripe yellow apples, quinces and nectarines meld with dried fruit notes into an opulent aromatic profile. These are joined by dark roasted brittle, a hint of tobacco and subtle oak notes from ageing in Burgundy demi-muids. The fruit esters lend additional juiciness to the whole.

Palate

Expansive, silky and of impressive texture. The acidity emerges mature and integrated, almost fruit juice-like in its opulence. The reduced pressure enhances the wine-like character and makes this Blanc de Blancs an unusually sensual, almost meditative experience – far removed from the crisp freshness of many Oger Champagnes.

Finish

Long, rounded and of sustained fruit fullness. The maturity of the vintage and the lengthy ageing sur lattes of at least five years reveal themselves in the harmonious, soft persistence.

Terroir & Origin

Single vineyard site Les Montchenevaux in Oger, one of the most prestigious Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs. The easterly exposure (au Levant) provides early morning sun and optimal ripening conditions.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Chardonnay from hand-harvesting, pressed in traditional Coquard press. Spontaneous fermentation and ageing in 600-litre barrels from Burgundy, spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Brut Nature – without dosage. Hand-disgorged.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The maturity and texture predestine this Champagne for duck in Champagne reduction with morels, sea bass with artichokes or classic pâté en croûte. Also a pleasure on its own.

Special Characteristics

Unconventional, wine-like style with reduced bottle pressure. A Champagne for lovers of mature, complex sparkling wines beyond the mainstream.