Eric Rodez : Empreinte Noire Grand Cru 2013

Tasting Notes and Serving Tips for Empreinte Noire Grand Cru 2013 by Eric Rodez

Tasting

Appearance

The colour is a deep gold with slightly amber highlights, a sign of the ripeness of the Pinot Noir and of the long ageing on lees in bottle. The fine, persistent mousse forms a regular bead of bubbles that heralds a refined texture.

Nose

The nose reveals a rich, complex bouquet in which ripe fruits intermingle, some dark like blackberry and blackcurrant, others sunnier like apricot and vineyard peach. Notes of toasted brioche, hazelnut and gentle spice complete this palette, reflecting both the time spent in oak barrels and the long ageing on lees.

Palate

The attack is full and vinous, driven by a generous body typical of Pinot Noir from Ambonnay. The texture, enveloping without ever being heavy, is supported by a vibrant acidity that brings tension and freshness. The remarkably long finish extends the sensations of dried fruit and toasted bread, along with a subtle smoky touch.

Food and Wine Pairing

This characterful Champagne is ideally enjoyed at the table, alongside refined dishes capable of matching its density and complexity. It will pair beautifully with white meats, poultry or full-flavoured fish, carefully prepared.

Serving and Cellaring

We recommend serving Empreinte Noire Grand Cru 2013 at a temperature between 10 and 12°C, in order to fully reveal its bouquet and texture. Thanks to its acidic structure and long ageing on lees, this Champagne has fine development potential and can be enjoyed now or kept in the cellar for several more years.

A Blanc de Noirs from the Grand Cru of Ambonnay, Signed Eric Rodez

The Estate

Champagne Eric Rodez is a family-run estate based in Ambonnay, in Champagne, whose winegrowing history dates back to the 18th century. The current estate was taken over in 1984 by Eric Rodez, an oenologist trained at Krug, who steered it towards certified organic viticulture, with farming practices close to biodynamics. Today run by Eric Rodez and his son Mickaël, the estate extends over a little more than six hectares, all classified Grand Cru. A pioneer of sustainable viticulture, it was the first French farm to be certified Haute Valeur Environnementale, in 2012.

The Vineyard

The grapes for this cuvée come exclusively from Pinot Noir plots located in Ambonnay, a Grand Cru village on the Montagne de Reims. This Champagne vineyard lies on chalky slopes facing south and south-east, offering good ripeness while preserving freshness thanks to free-draining soils. It is farmed according to the principles of organic agriculture, without herbicides, insecticides or synthetic fertilisers, with considered grass cover that encourages soil life.

Vinification and Ageing

Empreinte Noire Grand Cru 2013 is 100% vinified in small oak barrels, without malolactic fermentation, without industrial cold stabilisation and without filtration. This Blanc de Noirs then benefits from a long ageing on lees in bottle, which encourages slow autolysis and develops its aromatic complexity. It is finally disgorged and receives a very moderate extra-brut dosage.

Grape Variety

This Champagne is made from Pinot Noir, sourced from several plots in the village of Ambonnay.