Nicolas Maillart : Montchenot 1er Cru Blanc de Noirs 2021

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of the Montchenot 1er Cru Blanc de Noirs 2021 by Nicolas Maillart

Tasting

Appearance
This champagne reveals a yellow hue with brilliant highlights, enlivened by fine bubbles that form a delicate bead on the surface.

Nose
The nose of this Nicolas Maillart Montchenot 1er Cru opens with notes of apple and wild red fruits, supported by a mineral dimension and floral touches of geranium and rose, before giving way to nuances of citrus and rhubarb.

Palate
The attack is clean and precise, carried by wonderful amplitude and pronounced tension. The palate stands out for its freshness, minerality and a silky texture, culminating in a sparkling, refreshing finish.

Food and Wine Pairing
This champagne is a delight with aperitifs, shellfish and oily fish, as well as soft, mild cheeses.

The Elegance and Richness of a Blanc de Noirs 1er Cru from the Montagne de Reims, by Nicolas Maillart

The Estate
Founded in 1753 in Écueil, in Champagne, the House of Nicolas Maillart, now led by the ninth generation, bears the name of the man who took over the family estate in 2003. The estate covers approximately 15 to 16 hectares, located exclusively in Premier and Grand Cru villages of the Montagne de Reims, in Écueil, Bouzy and Villers-Allerand. The House is distinguished by its environmental commitment, certified HVE Level 3 and sustainable viticulture, as well as by its precise, parcel-by-parcel vinification of its terroirs.

The Vineyard
This Nicolas Maillart Montchenot 1er Cru comes from the hamlet of Montchenot, in Villers-Allerand, a village classified 1er Cru, located at the junction between the Petite and Grande Montagne de Reims. This Champagne terroir blends sand, clay and chalk, a geological diversity that brings structure, freshness and aromatic openness. The estate's vines have a high average age, around 30 to 35 years, and are cultivated according to the principles of sustainable viticulture, without herbicides and with organic fertilisers only.

Vinification and Ageing
Montchenot 1er Cru Blanc de Noirs 2021 is hand-harvested, then whole-bunch pressed before being vinified entirely in oak barrels. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation, which preserves its acidic tension and mineral expression. Ageing on the lees continues for several months before a hand disgorgement, in keeping with the House's precise style.

Grape Varieties
This cuvée is made from a blend largely dominated by Pinot Noir, at around 85%, complemented by 15% Pinot Meunier.