Leclerc Briant : Blanc de Meuniers Premier Cru Extra Brut 2018

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of the Blanc de Meuniers Premier Cru Extra Brut 2018 from Leclerc Briant

Tasting Notes

Color
A very pale golden-yellow hue reveals itself, highlighted by a bright and fluid appearance.

Nose
Fresh and expressive, the bouquet opens with fruity aromas of mandarin, kumquat, mirabelle plum and pineapple. It is then enriched with nuances of star anise, linden blossom and pistachio, complemented by subtle touches of raspberry and cherry.

Palate
The palate offers a fruity, smooth and juicy texture, carried by a lovely acidity reminiscent of orange. Highly aromatic and savory, this wine stands out for its remarkable floral complexity, notes of red apple and a crystalline minerality.

Food and Wine Pairing

This wine pairs perfectly with delicate fish dishes accompanied by citrus-based sauces, such as gilt-head bream with coconut milk and saffron. It also goes wonderfully with a seafood platter, oysters or pan-seared scallops, and can be enjoyed just as well as an aperitif or throughout a full meal.

Serving and Cellaring

To fully appreciate this Blanc de Meuniers Premier Cru Extra Brut 2018, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 10 and 12°C.

Other Characteristics

This champagne is an Extra Brut, allowing a pure expression of the wine with a very low dosage. It also benefits from organic (AB) and vegan certifications, guaranteeing the absence of any animal-derived products during its production.

The Pure Expression of Pinot Meunier by a Pioneering House in Champagne

The Estate

Founded in 1872 by Lucien Leclerc, the Leclerc Briant house is now based in Épernay. Acquired in 2012 by the American couple Mark Nunnelly and Denise Dupré, the current owners, the estate is managed by Frédéric Zeimett. A true pioneer in Champagne, the house distinguished itself through its early adoption of organic farming, followed by biodynamics. With approximately 14 hectares of its own vineyards, complemented by purchases of certified grapes, the house crafts distinctive cuvées, placing respect for nature at the heart of its philosophy.

The Vineyard

The grapes come from Premier Cru-classified terroirs in Champagne. The vineyard is cultivated according to the strict principles of biodynamics, treating the vine as a living ecosystem. The soils are worked without chemical products, with the help of horses, while sheep naturally regulate the grass cover. The vines are protected with plant infusions, such as chamomile, and viticultural practices follow the lunar cycles to promote natural balance and the resilience of the vines.

The Vintage

The year 2018 began with heavy rains, requiring great vigilance against fungal diseases. However, the season shifted towards a hot, dry and particularly sunny summer. A few well-timed showers helped avoid water stress, providing ideal conditions for rapid and optimal ripening. The harvest, notably early, began in late August under favorable weather, yielding a generous crop and an exceptional balance.

Winemaking and Aging

The making of this Blanc de Meuniers Premier Cru Extra Brut 2018 begins with vinification and nine months of aging in oak barrels, bringing complexity and subtle toasted notes. The wine then undergoes an extended aging on lees of approximately five and a half years in bottle before disgorgement, encouraging the development of its creamy texture and finesse.

Grape Variety

Pinot Meunier (100%).