AR Lenoble : Extra Brut (Intense) V.17

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for AR Lenoble Extra Brut (Intense) V.17

Tasting

Appearance
The colour is a pale yellow with golden highlights, enlivened by a fine, steady stream of bubbles that reflects a carefully managed second fermentation.

Nose
The nose opens with a predominantly saline character, carried by notes of fresh lemon and green apple, before giving way to subtle, more indulgent touches of light brioche and nougat, contributed by the reserve wines.

Palate
On the palate, this Champagne impresses with its great freshness and incisive acidity, underscored by a pronounced salinity. The texture, at once taut and creamy, carries flavours of green apple and citrus, extending into a long, saline finish.

Food and Wine Pairings

This Champagne is a delightful match for raw seafood, such as oysters and shellfish, as well as smoked or grilled fish. Its creamy texture also pairs well with poultry in a light cream sauce or fish dishes with a delicate sauce.

Serving and Cellaring

The non-vintage Extra Brut (Intense) V.17 is best served between 9 and 11°C, a temperature that preserves the finesse of its bubbles while revealing the tension of its aromatic profile.

An AR Lenoble Champagne of Chalky Purity and Saline Tension

The Estate

Founded in 1920 in Damery, in the Marne Valley, AR Lenoble is a family-owned, independent Champagne house. For several decades, it was run by Anne and Antoine Malassagne, great-grandchildren of the founder. The 18-hectare vineyard extends across prestigious Champagne terroirs. The house is renowned for its long-standing commitment to sustainable viticulture.

The Vineyard

The grapes for this cuvée come from plots on the Côte des Blancs, in Chouilly, classified Grand Cru, as well as on the slopes of Épernay, in Bisseuil, classified Premier Cru. These Champagne terroirs are built on chalky soils, which give the wines their purity and mineral character.

The Blend

This non-vintage cuvée is built on a base wine from the 2017 harvest, complemented by reserve wines that the house has kept over the years, ensuring a consistent style and a faithful expression of the terroirs of Chouilly and Bisseuil.

Vinification and Ageing

The non-vintage Extra Brut (Intense) V.17 is characterised by a very low dosage, chosen to showcase the purity of the terroir rather than the generosity of sugar. This approach reflects the philosophy of AR Lenoble, which is committed to sustainable viticulture that respects its chalky soils.

Grape Varieties

The blend marries Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, two emblematic Champagne grape varieties that bring finesse and structure respectively to this cuvée.