What wine is Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Présidence Vieille Vigne' 2013 Magnum - R&L Legras

The Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Présidence Vieille Vigne' 2013 Magnum - R&L Legras is a prestigious Blanc de Blancs produced entirely from Chardonnay grapes grown in the renowned Grand Cru of Chouilly, one of the most celebrated crus of the Côte des Blancs. Made only in the best vintages, this Champagne represents the ultimate expression of the expertise of the Maison R&L Legras, one of Épernay's historic families, custodians of a long tradition of elegance and winemaking precision. It is made using the méthode champenoise, or "classic method", which involves a second fermentation in the bottle and a long rest on the lees: a process that gives the wine aromatic complexity, fine bubbles, and the creaminess typical of great artisanal Champagnes.

Vintage Details

The 2013 vintage in Champagne was characterized by cool weather conditions, with a harvest later than average. Moderate temperatures and slow grape maturation allowed Chardonnay to develop intense aromas and a distinct acidity, fundamental elements for ensuring longevity and freshness. The result is a balanced, elegant, and vibrant vintage, with a precise aromatic profile and great aging potential.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking of Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Présidence Vieille Vigne' 2013 Magnum - R&L Legras follows the classic method. After the first fermentation, the wine rests on its lees for over 4 years in the Maison's underground cellars, where constant temperatures and humidity favor the development of complex aromas and very fine bubbles. The dosage – the final addition of a small amount of sugar syrup – is calibrated to keep the wine Brut, meaning dry but balanced, preserving the purity of the Chardonnay and the natural freshness of the vintage.

Tasting Notes

Color

In the glass, it appears a luminous golden yellow with greenish reflections, a sign of the still vibrant youth of the 2013 vintage. The perlage – the effervescence – is extremely fine and persistent, indicative of long maturation on the lees.

Nose

On the nose, it expresses elegant and complex aromas: notes of candied citrus, white flowers, and toasted hazelnut intertwine with mineral hints and nuances of brioche and bread crust, typical of long aging.

Palate

On the palate, it is creamy, expansive, and perfectly balanced. The fresh entry gives way to sensations of yellow-fleshed fruit and almond, with a taut and mineral finish that pleasantly prolongs the persistence. The fineness of the bubbles and the elegant structure make it a Champagne of rare harmony, capable of further evolving over time.

Food Pairings for Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Présidence Vieille Vigne' 2013 Magnum - R&L Legras

This Champagne is a perfect companion for special occasions and refined cuisine based on fish and seafood. Its characteristics make it ideal with:

• Oysters, tuna tartare, or white fish carpaccio, for a fresh and mineral pairing;
• Shrimp ravioli or saffron risottos, where the creaminess of the dish meets the wine's savoriness;
• White meats in light sauces or aged hard cheeses, to enhance its aromatic complexity.

Served between 8 and 10 °C, it offers the best of its expressiveness, maintaining freshness and vibrancy.

Storage and Aging: How to store Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Présidence Vieille Vigne' 2013 Magnum - R&L Legras

To maintain the qualities of this great Champagne, it is important to store it under the right conditions:

• Constant temperature: between 10 and 12 °C, away from temperature fluctuations.
• Absence of direct light: darkness preserves aromas and color.
• Horizontal position: the bottle should be laid down to maintain contact between the wine and the cork, preventing the cork from drying out.

The Magnum, by nature, offers a superior aging potential compared to a standard bottle, allowing this Champagne to evolve for over ten years, developing increasingly complex and fascinating nuances.