
2015
Region
France › Champagne › Montagne de Reims › Grande Montagne de Reims › Rilly-la-Montagne › Champagne AOC
Type
white · traditional · sparkling · brut
Grapes
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Alcohol
12.5%
Volume
750 mL
Dosage
7 g/L
Disgorged
2019-11
On lees
<42 months
This wine presents a vibrant array of citrus with grapefruit, lemon, and nuanced hints of orange oil, complemented by green apple and almond, and enriched by a deep lemon curd character. The medium body supports these flavours well. Its pronounced acidity is both robust and pointed, striking a delightful harmony with the fruit-driven finish. The wine is well-balanced, focused, and nuanced, with an attractive lack of MLF contributing to its crisp and refreshing profile.
This specific blend from Vilmart & Cie is composed of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir, both classified as Premier Cru and sourced from vines that are around fifty years old. The ageing process extends for ten months in 228-litre oak barrels. The choice to eschew malolactic fermentation preserves the natural acidity of the wine, ensuring a crisp, vibrant profile that balances the richness imparted by the oak.
The nose is an effervescent celebration of citrus, offering a lively mix of grapefruit, lemon, and nuanced hints of orange oil. These bright notes are complemented by undertones of green apple, almond, and a rich lemon curd. Moving to the palate, the wine showcases a medium body. Its pronounced acidity is both robust and pointed, which, to my delight, harmonises beautifully with the fruit-driven finish. Overall, this wine is a testament to its character, leaving a lasting impression of its intrinsic quality.