What kind of wine is Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée Marie Lancelot' 2017 - Lancelot-Pienne
The Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée Marie Lancelot' 2017 - Lancelot-Pienne is an excellence from the family house Lancelot-Pienne, located in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, one of Champagne's most renowned areas. This Champagne is produced exclusively with Chardonnay grapes, sourced from the parcels of Les Bourons, Les Busons, Les Gouttes d’Or, Les Fourches du Midi, and Les Moyens du Couchant, lying on the chalky soils of Cramant, a Grand Cru celebrated for its finesse and elegance.
Made according to the Champagne method (or traditional method), this sparkling wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle, followed by a long period of aging on its lees: a process that imparts creaminess, depth, and the subtle bubbles that are the hallmark of high-quality Champagne.
Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage is distinguished by varied climatic conditions, with a sunny spring followed by a warm and dry summer. The Chardonnay grapes reached ideal ripeness while retaining valuable acidic freshness. The result is a balanced Champagne that combines the aromatic richness of the harvest with a refined minerality typical of Cramant's soils.
Winemaking and Aging
The production of Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée Marie Lancelot' 2017 - Lancelot-Pienne strictly follows the traditional method: fermentation takes place in stainless steel to preserve the purity of the Chardonnay, while the secondary fermentation in the bottle is followed by several years of aging on the lees. The Brut dosage (low sugar content added at disgorgement) enhances the transparency and natural elegance of the fruit. Only in the best vintages are approximately 2,000 bottles produced, lending exclusivity and authenticity to this cuvée.
Tasting Notes
Color
Visually, the Champagne presents a brilliant straw yellow, traversed by a dense and constant perlage. The fine and persistent bubbles rise elegantly, a sign of long aging and impeccable craftsmanship.
Nose
The bouquet is fresh and complex: floral notes of hawthorn and citrus are perceived, followed by nuances of dried fruit, almond, and finely mineral hints. With aeration, intriguing scents of toasted bread and pastry emerge, typical of the long aging on lees.
Taste
On the palate, the Cuvée Marie Lancelot 2017 reveals a full yet balanced structure. The freshness of Chardonnay blends with a delicate creaminess and a long, mineral, and savory finish. The aromatic persistence is elegant, leaving a clean and refreshing finish that invites another sip.
Pairings for Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée Marie Lancelot' 2017 - Lancelot-Pienne
This Champagne is born to accompany special moments, but it also pairs wonderfully with food. It is ideal with light and refined dishes where the freshness and complexity of the wine can fully express themselves. Some perfect examples:
- raw fish or tuna and sea bass tartare
- oysters and seafood
- scallop or red prawn carpaccio
- risottos with shellfish or lemon
- fresh soft cheeses, such as Brie or Chaource
Also excellent as an elegant aperitif or for an important toast, thanks to its harmony and the refinement of its perlage.
Storage and Aging
For those wondering how to store Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée Marie Lancelot' 2017 - Lancelot-Pienne, it is important to follow a few simple rules to maintain its freshness and complexity.
- Temperature: between 10°C and 14°C, constant over time, avoiding temperature fluctuations.
- Light: store in a dark environment, as light, especially direct light, can alter the aromas.
- Bottle position: horizontally, to maintain contact between the wine and the cork and prevent drying out.
If stored correctly, this Champagne can evolve for several years, developing further aromatic nuances and greater depth. However, thanks to the perfect balance between structure and freshness, it is already splendid to taste today.
Lancelot-Pienne
The history of the Lancelot-Pienne winery The Lancelot-Pienne winery boasts a history rich in tradition and innovation. Located in the heart of France's historic Champagne region, the winery has been operating for generations, combining ancient winemaking traditions with an ever-present eye for i...
How to best open and serve Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée Marie Lancelot' 2017 - Lancelot-Pienne
1. Bottle Positioning
To best enjoy Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée Marie Lancelot' 2017 - Lancelot-Pienne, ensure the bottle has been stored horizontally in a cool, dark place, away from vibrations and temperature fluctuations. Before opening, position it vertically for about 30 minutes so that any sediment settles at the bottom.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The perfect temperature for serving this Champagne is between 8°C and 10°C. If the bottle has been stored in a cellar, you can chill it in an ice bucket with water and ice for about 20 minutes, avoiding placing it in the freezer, which could alter the wine's quality.
3. Opening the Bottle
Opening a bottle of Champagne requires care and delicacy. Follow these steps:
- Remove the foil and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb over the cork to prevent sudden popping.
- Use both hands: one to firmly hold the cork, the other to slowly twist the bottle, not the cork.
- Allow the cork to release with a sighing whisper, not a loud pop: this indicates elegance and preserves the bubbles.
4. Inspection and First Taste
Pour a small amount of Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée Marie Lancelot' 2017 - Lancelot-Pienne into a clear glass to check its color and clarity. The aroma should be fine and complex, with notes of citrus and brioche. If the aroma shows defects or excessive oxidation, the wine might be altered.
5. Decantation and Aeration
Although it's not common to decant Champagne, with a vintage like 2017, a slight aeration can be beneficial to enhance its evolved notes. Follow these tips:
- Use a large, clear, clean, and dry decanter.
- Slowly pour the Champagne along the wall of the decanter to minimize the loss of bubbles.
- Let the wine rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, to expand the aromatic bouquet.
Alternatively, you can aerate it directly in the glass, gently swirling the wine to encourage a gradual opening of the aromas.
6. Serving
To fully appreciate Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée Marie Lancelot' 2017 - Lancelot-Pienne, use tulip-shaped glasses, which enhance the perlage and allow the aromas to concentrate upwards. Pour slowly, without creating too much foam, filling the glass about two-thirds full. Serve immediately, pairing with delicate dishes such as oysters, fish carpaccio, or soft cheeses.
7. Storage After Opening
If you don't finish the bottle, re-seal it with a specific Champagne stopper and store it in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its freshness and a good level of effervescence for 1-2 days. Avoid leaving the bottle open for too long, as oxygen will tend to dissipate aromas and bubbles.
By following these instructions, you can fully experience the unique offering of Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée Marie Lancelot' 2017 - Lancelot-Pienne, expressing all its nuances and the typical elegance of the Champagne region.