JEAN DE LA FONTAINE La majestueuse Brut Millésime 2018

Champagne Jean de la Fontaine La Majestueuse Brut Vintage 2018

The heart of the cuvée, with extremely fine bubbles. Oxidised notes on the nose, with significant intensity. Full-bodied and rich on the palate with aromas of plum and smoke, evoking an autumnal feel. After a second aeration, vanilla, lemongrass and a touch of orchid reveal the sweetness of this vintage. The acidity will maintain the freshness of this champagne, ensuring it ages beautifully for many years. 

Produced under the Champagne Baron Albert Jean de la Fontaine appellation, this cuvée is part of an approach to showcase traditional Champagne grape varieties and their natural balance. It illustrates the expertise of a family-run house established for several generations in the Marne Valley.

A vintage Champagne from the Marne Valley terroir

The La Majestueuse cuvée is crafted from a blend representative of Champagne’s grape varieties. Pinot Meunier, which is very prevalent in the Marne Valley, provides structure and aromatic expression. It is complemented by Pinot Noir, which contributes to the wine’s depth and structure, as well as by Chardonnay, which brings freshness and tension.

The 2018 vintage is distinguished by climatic conditions favourable to the ripening of the grapes. The harvest yielded balanced berries, offering good aromatic concentration whilst retaining the natural acidity essential to the balance of Champagne wines.

Characteristics of the cuvée

• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• House: Baron Albert
• Cuvée: Jean de la Fontaine – La Majestueuse
• Vintage: 2018 
• Type: Brut, dosage 6 g/l. Tête de cuvée.
• Region: Marne Valley, blend of 7 crus 
• Grape varieties: 29% Pinot Noir, 70% Chardonnay (10% aged in oak barrels), 1% Pinot Meunier
• Production: traditional Champagne method

Champagne tasting

Colour

The colour is a luminous golden yellow. The effervescence is characterised by a regular and persistent stream of bubbles, typical of a 2018 vintage Champagne that has benefited from extended ageing on lees.

Nose

The nose reveals a structured aromatic profile. Notes of white-fleshed fruit and citrus emerge initially, accompanied by more developed nuances evoking dried fruit and brioche, resulting from cellar ageing.

Palate

The palate offers a clean, structured attack. The balance is achieved through the combination of the body provided by the red grape varieties and the freshness derived from the Chardonnay. The overall impression reveals a precise texture, characteristic of a Marne Valley winemaker’s Champagne.

Tasting and serving

This Baron Albert Jean de la Fontaine Champagne can be served in a variety of dining settings. Its structure allows it to accompany a range of dishes, particularly seafood, firm-fleshed fish or certain poultry.

To preserve the aromatic balance of this cuvée, it is recommended to serve this Vintage Brut Champagne at a temperature of between 9 and 11°C. Serving it in a glass suitable for tasting Champagne allows the aromatic complexity and the finesse of the effervescence to shine through.

Why choose Jean de la Fontaine La Majestueuse Brut Vintage 2018 Champagne?

This cuvée embodies the expression of a specific vintage combined with the expertise of a family-run Champagne estate. The blend of the three traditional grape varieties results in a structured and balanced wine. Ageing on the lees promotes the development of the aromatic complexity typical of vintage Champagnes.

The limited production of a vintage also enhances the uniqueness of each cuvée. Each bottle reflects the climatic and agronomic characteristics of the harvest year, giving this Baron Albert vintage Champagne its own distinct identity.

Storage advice

To preserve the wine’s qualities, it is recommended to store the bottles in a cool place, away from light and temperature fluctuations. Storing them horizontally helps maintain the moisture of the cork and preserves the bottle’s seal.

FAQ – Champagne Jean de la Fontaine La Majestueuse Brut Vintage 2018

What is a vintage Champagne?

A vintage Champagne is made exclusively from grapes harvested in a single year. It reflects the specific climatic and viticultural characteristics of that vintage.

Which grape varieties make up this cuvée?

Champagne Jean de la Fontaine La Majestueuse Brut Vintage 2018 is made from Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, three historic grape varieties of the Champagne appellation.

What is special about Champagnes from the Marne Valley?

The Marne Valley is particularly renowned for Pinot Meunier, a grape variety that brings roundness and aromatic expression to Champagne wines.

How long can this Champagne be kept?

A vintage Champagne can age for several years in the cellar under the right conditions, allowing its aromatic complexity to develop gradually.

What is the recommended serving temperature?

The ideal serving temperature is generally between 9°C and 11°C to preserve the aromatic balance and the finesse of the effervescence.

What is the difference between a Brut Champagne and an Extra-Brut Champagne?

The difference lies in the amount of sugar added after disgorging. A Brut Champagne generally contains less than 12 g/l of sugar, whilst an Extra-Brut has an even lower sugar content.