What kind of wine is Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature Villeneuve-Renneville 1er Cru Lieu Dit “La Croix Soleil” 2017 - Lombard
The Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature Villeneuve-Renneville 1er Cru Lieu Dit “La Croix Soleil” 2017 - Lombard is an authentic and refined expression of pure Chardonnay, hailing from the Villeneuve-Renneville terroir in the Côte des Blancs, one of Champagne's most esteemed areas. The Lombard house, known for its artisanal and modern philosophy, highlights the minerality of the calcareous soil and the purity of the grape variety in this cuvée. Produced according to the méthode champenoise (or classic method), this Champagne comes to life from a second fermentation in the bottle, which naturally creates the bubbles, a symbol of elegance and vitality. The choice not to add sugar dosage (hence the term "Brut Nature") enhances the transparency and precision of the fruit.Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage was characterized by contrasting climatic conditions: after an early spring, May rains and a sunny summer led to a balanced and concentrated harvest. The Chardonnay grapes from Villeneuve-Renneville benefited from temperature excursions that maintained their aroma and acidity, fundamental elements for creating a taut and vibrant Champagne.Vinification and aging
Vinification rigorously follows the traditional method: fermentation in steel to preserve freshness and aromatic precision, followed by a long aging on the lees for approximately 48 months. This maturation time gives greater complexity and creaminess to the perlage. The zero dosage (no added sugar during disgorgement) highlights the mineral purity of the terroir and the personality of Chardonnay, expressing an impeccable balance between tension and elegance.Tasting Notes
Colour
Visually, the Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature Villeneuve-Renneville 1er Cru Lieu Dit “La Croix Soleil” 2017 - Lombard presents a luminous straw yellow with delicate golden reflections. The bubbles are extremely fine and persistent, a sign of long aging on the lees.Nose
The bouquet is subtle and precise: it recalls notes of ripe citrus, green apple, and white flowers, with mineral hints and a slight nuance of bread crust, a result of bottle aging. Everything blends into an elegant and lively aromatic profile.Taste
On the palate, it is dry, direct, and vibrant. The freshness of Chardonnay is immediately perceived, balanced by a creamy texture and a long, savory finish, reminiscent of flint and fresh hazelnut. The absence of dosage emphasizes precision and tasting cleanliness, making every sip dynamic and refined.What dishes to pair with Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature Villeneuve-Renneville 1er Cru Lieu Dit “La Croix Soleil” 2017 - Lombard
This Champagne pairs ideally with fresh and delicate dishes that enhance its minerality and aromatic purity. Excellent as an aperitif, but also versatile throughout the meal, it perfectly accompanies:- Raw seafood and white fish carpaccio
- Oysters, langoustines, and shellfish
- Tuna or salmon tartare
- Risottos with shellfish or lemon
- Fresh soft cheeses
Storage and aging
To ensure full aromatic expression, it is important to know how to store Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature Villeneuve-Renneville 1er Cru Lieu Dit “La Croix Soleil” 2017 - Lombard. It should be stored:- In a cool place with constant temperature (around 10-12°C)
- Away from direct light sources and vibrations
- In a horizontal position, so that the cork remains moist and ensures a perfect seal
Lombard
The story of the Champagne Lombard winery Discovering the story of the Champagne Lombard winery means embarking on a journey through tradition, heritage, and innovation. Founded in the heart of the Champagne region, this winery has managed to combine respect for ancient techniques with an innovat...
How to best open and serve Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature Villeneuve-Renneville 1er Cru Lieu Dit “La Croix Soleil” 2017 - Lombard
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening the Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature Villeneuve-Renneville 1er Cru Lieu Dit “La Croix Soleil” 2017 - Lombard, ensure the bottle has been kept horizontally in a cool, dark place. A few hours before serving, place it in an ice bucket with water or in the refrigerator, avoiding excessive temperature fluctuations. Correct positioning preserves the fineness of the bubbles and maintains the complex aromas typical of this terroir champagne.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The perfect temperature for serving this Champagne is between 8°C and 10°C. A temperature that is too low would limit its aromatic perception, while serving it too warm would accentuate its alcohol content. If possible, measure the temperature with a wine thermometer to ensure impeccable service.
3. Opening the bottle
Correct opening is essential to avoid compromising the quality of the wine:
- Gently remove the foil and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork;
- Hold the bottle at a 45° angle and grasp the cork with one hand while slowly rotating the bottle (not the cork) with the other;
- Allow the cork to ease out gently, avoiding the "pop": a silent opening preserves the internal pressure and the finest aromas.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, pour a small amount into the glass to assess:
- the color, which should be bright golden yellow with green reflections;
- the fineness of the bubbles, an indicator of quality and proper storage;
- the aroma, which should reveal notes of citrus, white flowers, and delicate minerality.
Taste a sip to check the temperature and effervescence before proceeding with the full serving.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Even though it is a champagne, a Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature vintage like the 2017 can benefit from a slight oxygenation to enhance its bouquet. You can:
- leave the wine in the glass for 5-10 minutes before full tasting, or
- gently pour it into a specific Champagne decanter, only if the wine shows a certain aromatic closure.
This phase allows the Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature Villeneuve-Renneville 1er Cru Lieu Dit “La Croix Soleil” 2017 - Lombard to express its complexity and the typical minerality of the village of Villeneuve-Renneville.
6. Serving
Serve the Champagne in large tasting glasses (tulip type), which allow for a better assessment of the aroma and texture. Pour slowly along the inside wall of the glass to limit the loss of carbon dioxide. Pair this Champagne with dishes based on oysters, crustaceans, or soft cheeses: pairings that enhance its purity and gustatory precision.
7. Storage after opening
If not finished, reseal the bottle with a hermetic Champagne stopper and store it in the refrigerator, ideally for no longer than 24 hours. In this way, the Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature Villeneuve-Renneville 1er Cru Lieu Dit “La Croix Soleil” 2017 - Lombard will maintain its freshness and the liveliness of its bubbles even after opening.