Description
In their own words, “A great Champagne wine, a tribute to our anscestors, and a celebration of Pinot Meunier”. From some of their oldest vines, some 65-75 years of age, on silty clay soils in Chavot and Mancy, with chalk subsoils some 30cm down, this is their finest example of pure Pinot Meunier. The 2015 is both paler in color and not as fruit dominant as the 2014, presenting white florals and more delicate red fruits, then an intense old vine palate impact of chalk. Aurélien notes that the 2014 is a more varietal expression, whereas the 2015 is an even more terroir driven expression. That sounds spot on to me, as we tasted both side by side. For fans of Meunier, this continues to be a reference point example in its depth and seriousness….
“The 2016 Extra Brut Vignes d’Autrefois is 100% Meunier from vines planted in 1947 and 1964 done in neutral oak. Bright and vibrant in the glass, the 2016 offers a compelling interplay of Meunier richness with striking layers of intense minerality that open over time. Sweet floral notes add inner perfume and the closing flourishes of finesse. This is such a gorgeous wine. Dosage is 2-4 grams per liter. Disgorged: February, 2020.” 95 Antonio Galloni