Nicolas Maillart : Les Jolivettes Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs 2020

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for Les Jolivettes Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs 2020 by Nicolas Maillart

Tasting

Appearance
The colour reveals itself in a deep golden hue, animated by fine, steady bubbles.

Nose
The nose expresses notes of ripe fruit, accompanied by delicate spices and a toasty touch reminiscent of roasted hazelnut.

Palate
The palate is dense and structured, carried by firm acidity that supports the whole through to a long, saline finish.

Food and Wine Pairings

This Champagne can be enjoyed as an aperitif as well as during a gastronomic meal. Its density and structure make it a fine match for white meats in a creamy mushroom sauce, roast poultry or grilled fish, while its saline finish pairs ideally with dishes featuring briny, iodine-rich flavours.

Serving and Cellaring

Les Jolivettes Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs 2020 is best served at a temperature of 9 to 10°C. It can be cellared and will continue to improve until around 2030.

A Blanc de Noirs from the Grand Cru of Bouzy by Nicolas Maillart

The estate

Founded in 2008 in Écueil, in the Montagne de Reims, Nicolas Maillart belongs to a family winegrowing tradition dating back to the 18th century. Run today by Nicolas Maillart, the estate farms approximately 15 hectares of vines classified Premier and Grand Cru, with a clear predominance of Pinot Noir. Renowned for its parcel-based approach, its barrel vinification and its environmental commitment, Champagne Nicolas Maillart has established itself as a benchmark for Blanc de Noirs from the Montagne de Reims.

The vineyard

Les Jolivettes Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs 2020 comes from a single 0.6-hectare parcel in the heart of the Grand Cru of Bouzy, within the Champagne appellation, on the Montagne de Reims. The Pinot Noir vines, around thirty years old, are planted on clay-limestone soil resting on Campanian chalk. The soils are worked by ploughing, following organic and biodynamic practices that respect the vine's natural cycles.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage was considered a difficult one in Champagne, requiring particularly careful vinification to reveal the full potential of Bouzy Pinot Noir. Despite these challenging conditions, the ripeness of the grapes produced a dense, well-balanced base, which underpins the pronounced structure of this cuvée.

Vinification and ageing

Les Jolivettes Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs 2020 is fully vinified in oak barrels, without malolactic fermentation, in order to preserve the tension and freshness characteristic of the Bouzy terroir. The wine is then aged on its lees for eight months, before being dosed as an Extra Brut.

Grape variety

This cuvée is made from Pinot Noir, sourced exclusively from the Les Jolivettes parcel.