What kind of wine is Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 Magnum - R&L Legras
The Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 Magnum - R&L Legras is an absolute excellence from the prestigious winery R&L Legras, one of the historic cellars in Chouilly, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. Made entirely from Chardonnay Grand Cru grapes, this champagne represents the most refined and mineral soul of the area. The result of an exceptionally high-quality vintage, the “Saint Vincent” cuvée is produced only in the most important vintages, selecting the best parcels of old vines. Following the Champagne tradition, it is made using the méthode champenoise—also known as the classic method—which involves a second fermentation in the bottle to develop its unmistakable elegance and delicate bubbles.Vintage details
The 2012 vintage is remembered by experts for its extraordinary combination of aromatic concentration and freshness. After a difficult spring with frosts and rains, the hot and sunny summer favored the perfect ripening of the grapes. The harvest, which took place in September in dry conditions, allowed for the collection of Chardonnay with great balance, lively acidity, and intense aromas.Vinification and aging
The vinification of Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 Magnum - R&L Legras follows the classic method, with fermentation in stainless steel and aging on the lees for over six years. This long contact with the yeasts imparts complexity and notes of toasted bread and pastry. The dosage is Brut, meaning with a low residual sugar, to maintain the taut and mineral profile typical of Chouilly Chardonnay.Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, it presents a luminous straw yellow with golden reflections, traversed by a stream of fine and persistent bubbles that testify to its prolonged aging on the lees.Nose
The bouquet is rich and refined: aromas of ripe citrus, white flowers, and dried fruit emerge, followed by slight buttery and brioche nuances. With aeration, notes of honey and almond open up, adding depth and complexity.Taste
On the palate, it is full, vibrant, and harmonious. The creamy structure is balanced by a lively acidity and a mineral tension that accompanies a long and savory finish. The very fine bubbles caress the mouth, providing a pleasant sensation of elegance and freshness.What dishes to pair with Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 Magnum - R&L Legras
This Champagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is perfect as a sophisticated aperitif, but it truly shines at the table. It pairs magnificently with:- raw fish and oysters;
- white fish carpaccio and tuna tartare;
- shellfish-based dishes;
- delicate risottos or pasta dishes with lemon cream;
- aged soft cheeses.
Storage and aging – how to store Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 Magnum - R&L Legras
To maintain the quality of this champagne, it is essential to store it correctly. Here are some practical tips:- Temperature: stable between 10 °C and 12 °C, avoiding sudden temperature changes.
- Light: the wine should be kept away from direct light to prevent aromatic alterations.
- Position: the bottle must be kept horizontally to keep the cork moist and prevent air infiltration.
R&L Legras
The history of the R&L Legras winery The R&L Legras winery is a perfect example of how tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously in the world of wine. Founded in the heart of the renowned Champagne region, R&L Legras stands out for its centuries-old heritage passed down from g...
How to open and best serve Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 Magnum - R&L Legras
1. Bottle positioning
To best prepare the Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 Magnum - R&L Legras, position the bottle upright for at least 24 hours before opening. This allows the sediment to settle at the bottom, preventing it from mixing with the liquid during serving. If the bottle has been stored in a cellar, gradually bring it to serving temperature, avoiding sudden temperature changes.
2. Ideal serving temperature
This champagne expresses its elegance and complexity best at a temperature between 10°C and 12°C. Chill it slowly in an ice bucket with ice and water, checking the temperature periodically. Avoid prolonged refrigeration, as excessive cold would dull the aromas and the finesse of the bubbles.
3. Opening the bottle
To open the bottle correctly:
- Gently remove the protective foil.
- Loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb over the cork to prevent sudden openings.
- Hold the bottle at an angle of approximately 45°, grasping the cork and slowly rotating the bottle (not the cork) to facilitate a quiet and controlled opening.
The goal is to preserve the internal pressure and not disperse the effervescence, maintaining the refined style of the Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru.
4. Inspection and initial tasting
After opening, pour a small amount into a glass to ensure the wine is perfectly clear and brilliant. A brief olfactory and gustatory test allows you to assess the freshness and aromatic integrity. The Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 Magnum - R&L Legras stands out for its evolved, citrus, and mineral aromas: scents that deserve a moment of meditation before full service.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Although decanting is not common for Champagne, a great vintage Blanc de Blancs like this can benefit from slight oxygenation. Pour a small amount into a wide glass or a specific sparkling wine decanter for about 10–15 minutes. This phase allows the secondary and tertiary aromas to open up, revealing all the complexity of the 2012 vintage and the depth given by aging on lees.
6. Serving
Serve the champagne in tulip-shaped glasses, which enhance the bouquet and the persistence of the bubbles. Fill them one-third full, allowing the mousse to develop and the aromas to emerge gradually. Pair the Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 Magnum - R&L Legras with refined dishes such as oysters, fish carpaccio, shellfish, or aged hard cheeses.
7. Storage after opening
If the bottle is not consumed completely, reseal it with a specific airtight stopper for sparkling wines. Store it in the refrigerator, maintaining the temperature between 4°C and 6°C. The wine will retain its freshness for about 24 hours, although maximum enjoyment is obtained in the hours immediately following opening.
By following these steps, you will be able to appreciate every nuance of the Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 Magnum - R&L Legras, enhancing its elegance and harmony with every sip.