Marie-Courtin : Efflorescence Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 2019

Characteristics and tasting advice for Marie-Courtin’s Efflorescence Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 2019

Tasting

Color

The wine shows a bright golden hue, enlivened by a fine, persistent effervescence.

Nose

The nose opens with aromas of red plum and mint, alongside herbal notes and chamomile. With aeration, nuances of red rose petals and spices gradually emerge.

Palate

On the palate, the wine reveals a broad, velvety texture with lovely depth. The structure unfolds generously, revealing flavors of kirsch and dried flowers. The finish lingers with chalky, saline, and mineral notes that reflect the Kimmeridgian terroir.

Food and wine pairings

This champagne pairs perfectly with oysters and seafood, highlighting their briny freshness. It also matches well with herb-grilled fish, roasted poultry, or mushroom-based dishes. Its minerality and structure make it an ideal partner for aged cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve the Efflorescence Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 2019 in white wine glasses rather than flutes, at a temperature between 8 and 10°C, to allow its aromas to fully express themselves. The name "Efflorescence" evokes the wine’s perpetual evolution, which has excellent aging potential and will continue to develop over time.

A biodynamic champagne from the Côte des Bar, a pure expression of Kimmeridgian terroir

The estate

Created in 2005 by Dominique Moreau in Polisot in the Côte des Bar, the Marie-Courtin estate is named after the winegrower’s great-grandmother. As early as 2000, Dominique committed to organic viticulture, obtaining Demeter biodynamic certification in 2006. Across around 2.5 hectares, she produces grower champagnes that have achieved cult status among enthusiasts and sommeliers worldwide. Her limited production reflects an artisanal and authentic approach, prioritizing quality and the expression of terroir.

The vineyard

Efflorescence comes from a single plot located on the lower part of a hillside in Polisot, in Champagne, in the Côte des Bar. The 35- to 40-year-old pinot noir vines come from massal selection. The soil, composed of clay and limestone with bands of fossil-rich Kimmeridgian limestone, gives the wine intense minerality and a distinctive salinity. The vineyard’s east-southeast exposure encourages optimal ripening of the grapes. Vineyard management follows biodynamic principles, with biodynamic preparations and the use of compost made on site.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage in Champagne was marked by contrasting conditions. February saw unusually mild temperatures, followed by frosts in April reaching -7°C. May proved very rainy, while June brought an initial beneficial heatwave. At the end of July, a second heatwave with temperatures reaching 43°C caused sunburn on some fruit. Despite these climatic challenges, rigorous selection at harvest made it possible to obtain quality grapes, with a good balance between sugar and acidity, as well as fine freshness.

Vinification and aging

The grapes for the Efflorescence Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 2019 are hand-harvested with careful sorting. Vinification takes place in used Burgundy oak barrels, with indigenous yeasts selected in the vineyard for both primary and secondary fermentations. The wine then benefits from 36 months of aging sur lattes, allowing aromatic complexity to develop through extended contact with the lees. After disgorgement, no dosage is added, thus preserving the purity and authenticity of the terroir’s expression.

Grape variety

This Extra Brut is 100% pinot noir