Magnum de Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 748

Jacquesson Cuvée 748 Champagne Magnum: Excellence in a Large Format

The Magnum of Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 748 is the latest iteration of Maison Jacquesson’s “700” concept. This oenological approach prioritises the unique expression of a vintage year rather than the pursuit of a consistent, standardised taste. In its 1.5-litre format, this wine benefits from superior thermal inertia and optimised ageing on lees, offering a more complex and refined expression of the Champagne terroir.

Terroir and Expertise

Cuvée 748 is based on a harvest from 2020, a growing season marked by historically early ripening and impeccable grape health. The blend comprises grapes sourced exclusively from Grand Crus and Premier Crus in the Grande Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Blancs (Aÿ, Dizy, Hautvillers and Avize).

• Vinification: Full fermentation in oak casks, promoting natural micro-oxygenation and a harmonious integration of acidity.
• Reserve wines: Incorporation of approximately 25% reserve wines from previous Cuvées 700, kept in casks to stabilise the structure without masking the identity of the 2020 vintage.
• Ageing: Extended ageing on lees under cork in magnum format, followed by late disgorgement.
• Dosage: Extra-Brut (2 g/l), a technical choice designed to highlight the mineral tension and purity of the geological substrate.

Sensory Profile

The organoleptic analysis of this magnum of champagne reveals an architectural structure and technical precision characteristic of the Jacquesson style.

Appearance: A crystal-clear appearance with straw-gold highlights, enlivened by a string of bubbles of great finesse, a sign of prolonged ageing in the cellar.

Nose: The initial nose is defined by a noble, mineral austerity. Upon aeration, notes of white-fleshed fruit (pear, apple) mingle with hints of dried flowers and candied citrus. The oak ageing comes through in subtle hints of fresh hazelnut and toast.

Palate: The attack is lively and direct. The mid-palate reveals a dense, vinous texture, balanced by a sharp acidity. The finish is marked by a salty bitterness and an aromatic persistence centred on chalk and grapefruit zest.

Serving Suggestions

To appreciate the complexity of this cuvée, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 10°C to 12°C. The magnum should be opened 15 to 20 minutes before serving to allow for gentle aeration. Use tulip-shaped wine glasses to concentrate the complex aromas developed during ageing.

Food pairings: This wine has a structure capable of accompanying dishes with a firm texture, such as lobster roasted in lightly salted butter, pan-fried sweetbreads or a 30-month-aged Comté.

Why choose this cuvée?

The Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 748 Magnum is a technical choice for the collector and the discerning connoisseur. The magnum format slows oxidation and allows the aromas to develop with greater subtlety. It is a factual and rigorous interpretation of Champagne, where every parameter, from the chalky terroir to the oak cask, is orchestrated to deliver a wine of absolute integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between Cuvée 748 and 747? Cuvée 748 is based on the 2020 vintage, whilst 747 was based on 2019. Each number corresponds to a different base year.
• What is the ageing potential of the Magnum? This format offers a ageing potential of over 10 or 15 years in a suitable cellar.
• Is this a vintage champagne? Technically no, as it contains reserve wines, but it is considered a ‘de facto vintage’ as it claims the identity of the year 2020.
• Why is the dosage so low (0.75 g/l)? This Extra-Brut dosage has been chosen so as not to distort the wine’s natural balance and to respect the terroir’s saline purity.
• Does the wine contain sulphites? Yes, like all Champagne, but Maison Jacquesson drastically limits additives to preserve the aromatic brilliance.
• Which grape varieties make up this magnum? The typical blend combines Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier, with a predominance of black grapes from the Grande Vallée de la Marne.