Gonet-Medeville : Grand Cru Cuvée Théophile 2014

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for the Grand Cru "Cuvée Théophile" 2014 by Gonet-Medeville

Tasting

Color
A pale gold hue, enhanced by fine, persistent bubbles.

Nose
The bouquet reveals pronounced citrus aromas, such as grapefruit and lemon zest, intertwined with notes of white flowers. A touch of brioche and a chalky minerality round out this aromatic profile.

Palate
The palate offers great precision and lovely tension. Vibrant acidity is perfectly balanced by a creamy mousse. The structure contributed by Pinot Noir combines with the lightness of Chardonnay, extending into a long, deeply mineral finish.

Food and Wine Pairing

This wine pairs wonderfully with raw oysters, whose salinity echoes its minerality. It also goes very well with smoked salmon, foie gras, and rich dishes such as lobster with butter, caviar, or sushi. When it comes to cheese, opt for soft varieties such as Brie de Meaux or a mature goat cheese.

Serving and Aging

To fully enjoy this Champagne, it is recommended to serve it between 8 and 10°C in a tulip-shaped white wine glass. With excellent aging potential, it can be cellared to reach its peak approximately 10 to 15 years after disgorgement.

Other Characteristics

This sparkling wine falls into the Extra Brut category, with a very low dosage of 2 g/L. Its alcohol content ranges between 12.5% and 13%.

The Elegance of a Great Terroir Champagne by Gonet-Medeville

The Estate

Founded in 2000 by Xavier Gonet and Julie Medeville, the current duo of owners, this mark of excellence is located in Bisseuil, at the heart of the Champagne wine region. The estate spans 12 hectares of vines spread across eight prestigious villages. Drawing on their dual expertise in Champagne and Bordeaux, the founders Gonet-Medeville cultivate their plots with an artisanal approach and great precision. Their biodynamic and organic practices result in wines that faithfully reflect the richness of their terroirs.

The Vineyard

The grapes for this cuvée come from a small 0.5-hectare plot located within the Grand Cru-classified terroirs of Ambonnay and Mesnil-sur-Oger. The vines, averaging 45 to 50 years old, thrive on chalky soils. Farmed biodynamically, this vineyard benefits from meticulous attention, with controlled yields of around 9,000 kg/ha. Harvesting is done exclusively by hand to ensure optimal grape quality.

The Vintage

The year 2014 was marked by contrasting weather conditions. The growing season began with a cool, wet spring, before giving way to a hot and particularly dry summer. This beautiful late-season weather allowed the grapes to reach ideal ripeness ahead of the harvest.

Winemaking and Aging

The making of this Champagne stands out for its minimal-intervention approach. After pressing and settling, vinification takes place entirely in old oak barrels, without malolactic fermentation, in order to preserve the wine's freshness. Bottling takes place seven months after the harvest. The wine then undergoes a long aging period on the lees, ranging from six to eight years, before resting for at least four additional months after disgorgement.

Grape Varieties

This blend is made up of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir.