Zoemie de Sousa Cuvée UMAMI Grand Cru Extra Brut 2009 1500ml Magnum

Wine Description for Zoemie de Sousa Cuvée UMAMI Grand Cru Extra Brut 2009 1500ml Magnum by De Sousa

Colour & Appearance

Luminous golden yellow with amber reflexes, announcing the considerable maturity of the 2009 vintage. The perlage displays itself fine and persistent, a sign of the slow maturation in magnum format.

Nose

Complex and multi-layered, a fascinating bouquet unfolds of roasted hazelnuts, brioche and candied lemon zest. These are joined by notes of ripe stone fruit, honeycomb and a subtle iodine trace, which lends the wine its umami-typical depth. With air, white truffle and roasted almonds develop.

Palate

Despite the Extra Brut dosage, the champagne displays itself impressively creamy and textured – a merit of the wood ageing and bâtonnage technique. The structure is powerful and precise at once, with a saline minerality that recalls oyster shells. Roasted butter, mirabelle and a fine roasted note meld with the lively acidity into a harmonious whole. The wine possesses that umami quality which gives it its name: a spicy, almost meaty depth.

Finish

Long, saline and of impressive precision. The mineral freshness lingers for minutes and leaves hints of toasted bread and citrus zest.

Terroir & Origin

Grand Cru Chardonnay from the renowned Côte des Blancs. The biodynamically managed estate De Sousa owns twelve hectares in prime vineyard sites, cultivated according to biodynamic principles since 2002.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Chardonnay, vinified with the characteristic quartz yeasts of Champagne Fleur. Ageing predominantly in wooden casks with bâtonnage, which lends the wine its creamy texture and complexity. The magnum bottle has slowed the maturation and bestowed additional finesse upon the wine.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Breton oysters, scallops with truffle, roasted turbot, poularde with morels, aged Comté or Parmesan. The umami component makes it the ideal companion to Japanese cuisine – particularly sashimi and grilled fish.

Special Features

Rare magnum bottling of a Grand Cru Champagne from the outstanding 2009 vintage. The biodynamic approach and wood ageing make this champagne an unconventional, characterful representative of its kind.