What kind of wine is Champagne Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 'Largillier' Millesimé 2018 - Jérôme Coessens?

The Champagne Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 'Largillier' Millesimé 2018 - Jérôme Coessens is a label that embodies the essence of Pinot Noir grown in the Côte des Bar, the southernmost area of Champagne. Jérôme Coessens, an independent winemaker and careful interpreter of the Ville-sur-Arce terroir, has created a Blanc de Noirs of rare elegance, sourced from a single parcel, “Largillier,” which yields wines of depth and intensity. Produced using the traditional Champenoise method (or classic method), this Champagne undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle and a long period of contact with the lees, fundamental steps to develop its structure and aromatic complexity.

Vintage Details

The 2018 vintage was one of the most generous and balanced of the last decade in Champagne. The harvest benefited from a warm and sunny summer, with well-distributed rainfall, allowing for optimal ripening of the Pinot Noir grapes. The result is a wine with a rich yet always balanced texture, featuring a pleasant mineral tension that enhances the typical freshness of the region.

Vinification and Aging

The Champagne Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 'Largillier' Millesimé 2018 - Jérôme Coessens is vinified exclusively in stainless steel to preserve purity and aromatic precision. After the first fermentation, secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle according to the classic method, followed by aging on the lees for at least 36 months. This slow process gives the wine finesse, complexity, and a creamy, persistent effervescence. The Extra Brut dosage (approximately 4 g/l of sugar) maximally enhances the terroir's identity, without masking its natural tension and freshness.

Tasting Notes

Color

Visually, it presents a brilliant golden yellow, traversed by an elegant mousse and a fine, continuous perlage, indicative of a long aging period on the lees.

Nose

The bouquet is deep and multifaceted. Aromas of ripe fruit, such as apple and pear, emerge, followed by notes of spice, brioche, and slight hints of toasted hazelnut. The mineral component, typical of the Largillier parcel, imparts a clean and precise sensation.

Palate

On the palate, it is broad, taut, and enveloping. The attack is decisive but balanced by a persistent freshness. The fine bubbles accompany a long, mineral finish, encouraging another sip.

Food Pairings for Champagne Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 'Largillier' Millesimé 2018 - Jérôme Coessens

This Champagne expresses itself best with dishes that are bold yet elegant. Perfect for a refined aperitif, but also ideal throughout a meal. It pairs splendidly with:

• Tuna tartare or beef carpaccio
• Raw seafood or oysters
• Baked fish dishes or delicate white meats
• Aged hard cheeses

Thanks to its structure and low dosage, it also harmoniously accompanies slightly spiced or complex-flavored preparations.

Storage and Aging: How to store Champagne Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 'Largillier' Millesimé 2018 - Jérôme Coessens

To maintain the quality of this Champagne over time, it is important to store the bottle in a cool, dark place free from temperature fluctuations.

• Ideal temperature: between 10° and 12°C constant
• Light: avoid direct exposure to natural or artificial light
• Position: lay the bottle horizontally, so that the cork remains in contact with the wine and maintains an airtight seal

When stored correctly, the Champagne Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 'Largillier' Millesimé 2018 - Jérôme Coessens can evolve positively for 5-7 years, developing increasingly complex and refined nuances.