What kind of wine is Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2013 - M. Hostomme
The Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2013 - M. Hostomme is one of the most refined expressions of the Côte des Blancs, a territory of excellence in the production of 100% Chardonnay Champagne. The M. Hostomme house, active for several generations in the village of Chouilly, is renowned for its ability to combine tradition and technique, making the most of the grapes from its Grand Cru classified vineyards. Made with the traditional Champenoise method – which involves a second fermentation in the bottle to develop the bubbles – this vintage Champagne is produced only in the most exceptional years, when the climate and the ripening of the grapes allow for a perfect balance between freshness, structure, and aromatic complexity.Vintage Details
The 2013 vintage was characterized by a harsh winter and a late spring that slowed flowering, followed by a warm and dry summer. These conditions allowed for optimal ripening of the Chardonnay grapes, preserving their natural acidity and aromatic purity. The harvest, slightly later than average, yielded healthy and concentrated bunches, ideal for a Champagne with long aging potential.Winemaking and Aging
The winemaking process faithfully follows the classic method: after the first fermentation in steel tanks, the wine rests on its lees for over 7 years. This long aging imparts complexity and finesse, delivering hints of pastry, dried fruit, and mineral notes in perfect balance. The Brut dosage, with a low sugar content, maintains freshness and gustatory precision, enhancing the purity of the Chardonnay.Tasting Notes
The sensory characteristics of Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2013 - M. Hostomme reveal themselves in a harmonious and refined journey.Color
Visually, it presents a clear and brilliant golden color, traversed by a fine and persistent perlage that testifies to its long stay on the lees.Nose
The bouquet is elegant and complex: aromas of candied citrus, ripe apple, white flowers, and hints of bread crust, dried fruit, and fresh butter emerge. Mineral notes complete an olfactory picture of great precision and freshness.Palate
On the palate, it is fresh, creamy, and perfectly balanced. The fine and silky bubbles accompany a clean and mineral sip, with a long and refined finish. The evolution in the mouth offers sensations of toasted hazelnut and an elegant citrus finish.Pairings with Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2013 - M. Hostomme
This Champagne finds its gastronomic calling in elegant yet unpretentious pairings. Perfect to accompany:- Seafood crudités and oysters
- Sashimi and fish carpaccios
- Seafood or citrus risottos
- Crustacean-based dishes, such as scampi or lobster
- Soft cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert
Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2013 - M. Hostomme
To preserve its qualities over time, it is important to follow some simple storage rules:- Temperature: maintain between 10°C and 12°C, avoiding sudden temperature changes.
- Light: store bottles away from direct light sources, in a shaded environment.
- Position: keep the bottle lying down, so that the cork remains moist and does not lose elasticity.
M. Hostomme
The History of M. Hostomme Winery The M. Hostomme winery represents a perfect synergy between tradition and innovation in the wine sector. With deep roots planted in the heart of France, M. Hostomme is the testament to decades of experience passed down through generations. Founded on the teaching...
How to best open and serve Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2013 - M. Hostomme
1. Bottle positioning
To fully enjoy the unique characteristics of Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2013 - M. Hostomme, it is important to position the bottle correctly. After removing it from the cellar or fridge, let it rest upright for at least 30 minutes. This allows any sediment to settle at the bottom, making for a cleaner and more elegant pour.
2. Ideal serving temperature
Temperature plays a crucial role in tasting vintage Champagne. Serve the Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2013 - M. Hostomme between 9°C and 10°C. At this temperature, the aromas of chalk, white flowers, and dried fruit are perceived in a balanced way, enhancing the wine's freshness and complexity.
3. Opening the bottle
Open the bottle carefully to preserve the fineness of the bubbles:
- Remove the foil and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork.
- Hold the bottle slightly tilted at 45°, gripping the base with one hand and the cork with the other.
- Gently rotate the bottle (not the cork) until you hear a slight sigh of air, a sign of a correct and controlled opening.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, pour a small amount of Champagne into the glass to evaluate its clarity, the vibrancy of the perlage, and the purity of its aroma. A first taste will confirm that the wine is in perfect condition, revealing the mineral notes typical of Grand Cru and the structure given by the 2013 vintage.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
While decanting Champagne is rare, in this case, the wine's maturity makes it suitable for brief oxygenation. Slowly pour the Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2013 - M. Hostomme into a narrow-necked carafe, avoiding the loss of too much carbon dioxide. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes: this brief decantation will allow the complex bouquet to fully express itself.
6. Serving
Use white wine glasses rather than flutes to promote aromatic expression. Pour small quantities to maintain a consistent temperature and enjoy the evolving nuances of the wine sip by sip. The Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2013 - M. Hostomme beautifully complements fish dishes, shellfish, and aged cheeses.
7. Storage after opening
If there is leftover Champagne, reseal the bottle with a specialized sparkling wine stopper and place it in the refrigerator. Consume the wine within 24 hours to avoid losing its freshness and the vibrancy of the bubbles. Avoid storing it for too long after opening: the magic of this Grand Cru is best expressed immediately after serving.