Jean Michel Blanc de Meunier Champagne, 2019 Vintage

Champagne Jean Michel Blanc De Meunier Vintage 2019 – Extra-Brut 100% Meunier

The Champagne Jean Michel Blanc De Meunier Vintage 2019 is a meticulous illustration of how a single grape variety can be showcased in a distinctive vintage. This exclusive cuvée offers an unvarnished technical take on the wine-growing heritage of the Marne Valley, eschewing superfluous oenological artifices. The profile of this wine is characterised by remarkable structural tension, typical of cuvées unmasked by sugar.

Terroir and Expertise

This wine is made entirely from the Meunier grape variety, harvested exclusively during the 2019 vintage. The selected plots are situated in the Marne Valley terroir, an area characterised by a complex mineral substrate comprising a mixture of clay and limestone formations. The interaction between the vines and this specific soil gives the grapes a distinct character, marked by controlled yields and optimal ripeness.

The winemaking process is guided by a commitment to precision and respect for the integrity of the raw material. Harvesting is carried out exclusively by hand to sort the bunches directly in the vineyard. The wine is then produced through alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. This choice of a neutral container is driven by the desire to avoid any external oak influence, thereby preserving the original vibrancy and purity of the varietal aromas. Following a long ageing period on fine lees in the heart of the estate’s cellars, the wine is finished with an Extra-brut dosage of 4g/L, a minimalist level that highlights the wine’s inherent structure.

Sensory Profile

Colour: Visual examination reveals a luminous, golden hue, enlivened by a persistent stream of fine, regular bubbles.

Nose: The olfactory profile is refined, complex and elegant. It opens with precise notes of citrus (pomelo zest, lemon) and crisp white fruits such as pear, before giving way to a discreet pastry and brioche character, subtly toasted by time.

Palate: The attack is taut, direct and of absolute clarity. The mid-palate reveals a full-bodied, airy and structured texture, supported by a creamy effervescence that coats the palate. The finish, remarkably long on the palate, lingers over a saline backdrop and noble citrus bitterness that characterise the minerality of its geological profile.

Serving Advice

To appreciate the structural complexity of this great vintage champagne, it is recommended to serve it at a precise temperature of 10°C. This wine, with its well-defined structure, pairs perfectly with refined seafood dishes. It will perfectly complement a lime-infused scallop tartare, a white fish carpaccio, deep-sea oysters or a fillet of sole lightly seared in beurre blanc.

Why choose this cuvée?

• The pure expression of Meunier: A rare cuvée made from 100% Meunier, demonstrating this grape variety’s ability to produce wines of the very highest calibre with excellent ageing potential.
• The character of the 2019 vintage: The hallmark of a sunny, concentrated year, perfectly balanced by the natural mineral tension of the Marne Valley.
• The precision of the Extra-Brut: A minimalist dosage of 4g/L that respects the wine’s original purity and the crispness of its finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a 100% Meunier champagne? It is a champagne made exclusively from black, white-juiced grapes of the Meunier variety, a historic grape variety that brings structure, roundness and intense aromas of white fruit and citrus.
• What is special about the Extra-Brut dosage of 4g/L? An Extra-Brut champagne contains between 0 and 6 grams of sugar per litre. With 4g/L, the Cuvée Jean Michel 2019 retains great freshness and a pure, crisp character, ideal for showcasing the soil’s geology without any heaviness.
• How was the Jean Michel 2019 Vintage Champagne produced? The grapes are harvested by hand. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks to preserve the freshness and aromatic clarity of the grape variety, avoiding any oak ageing to retain the fruit’s vibrancy.
• What are the recommended food pairings for this cuvée? This fine wine pairs perfectly with dishes featuring a lovely seafood texture, such as shellfish, fresh oysters, salmon sashimi or a premium white-fleshed fish.
• What is the ideal serving temperature for this vintage champagne? It is best served at 10°C. Serving it too cold would mask the complexity of its fruit aromas and the brioche notes developed during cellar ageing.
• How long can this bottle be kept in the cellar? Thanks to the structure of the 2019 vintage and its precision cork, this vintage champagne is well-suited to ageing. Stored horizontally and away from light, it will continue to develop its aromatic complexity over the coming years.