What kind of wine is Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 - R&L Legras
The Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 - R&L Legras is born in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, in Chouilly, one of the few villages classified as Grand Cru. It is a champagne produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, therefore a "Blanc de Blancs", an expression of purity and refinement. The R&L Legras house, a historic family-run winery, produces this cuvée only in excellent vintages, selecting the best vineyard plots and faithfully following the Champenoise method (or classic method), which involves re-fermentation in the bottle to give the wine its unmistakable fine and persistent bubbles.Vintage details
2012 was a challenging but extraordinary vintage for Champagne. After a cool and unstable spring, the warm and sunny summer favored optimal ripening of the Chardonnay grapes, yielding wines of great concentration and balanced acidity. It is precisely this unique combination of climatic factors that makes the 'Saint Vincent' 2012 one of the most harmonious and long-lived expressions of the house.Vinification and aging
The production of this Champagne faithfully follows the classic method: after fermentation, the wine rests on its lees for over 9 years in the cellars of R&L Legras. This long aging gives aromatic complexity and a creaminess typical of great Blanc de Blancs. The dosage, i.e., the addition of a small amount of sugar after disgorgement to balance acidity and structure, is kept in harmony with the "Brut" style, to maintain freshness and minerality.Tasting Notes
Color
Visually, the Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 - R&L Legras presents an elegant golden yellow with luminous reflections, with very fine bubbles and a persistent mousse that testify to the long maturation on the lees.Nose
The bouquet is refined and complex: it opens with notes of candied citrus, white flowers, and ripe fruit, followed by hints of bread crust, almond, and a delicate mineral nuance. Scent and freshness coexist in perfect balance, a distinctive sign of high-quality Chardonnay.Palate
On the palate, it is silky and vibrant, with a creamy and fine perlage. The structure is full yet elegant; nuances of pastry, dried fruit, and a mineral freshness emerge, extending the finish into a long and enveloping persistence. A Blanc de Blancs that combines intensity and lightness, ideal for those seeking a Champagne capable of thrilling with every sip.What dishes to pair with Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 - R&L Legras
This Champagne is a perfect companion for refined but not overly elaborate cuisine. It pairs beautifully with fish and seafood dishes, as well as delicate vegetarian dishes. Pairing ideas:- Raw seafood and oysters
- Tuna or salmon tartare
- Seafood risottos
- Fresh or lightly aged cheeses
- White meats with light sauces
Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 - R&L Legras
To maintain the quality of this Champagne, it is important to store it correctly:- Temperature: between 10 and 12°C constant, avoiding temperature fluctuations.
- Light: store in the dark or in dimly lit areas to protect the wine from UV rays.
- Position: horizontal bottle, so that the cork remains moist and maintains its seal.
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 Best Open and Serve Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 - R&L Legras
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening the Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 - R&L Legras, ensure the bottle has been stored horizontally, away from direct light and temperature fluctuations. Approximately one day before serving, place it upright in the refrigerator or an ice bucket to allow natural sediments to settle at the bottom, ensuring a clear and precise pour.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The correct temperature is crucial to fully appreciate the aromatic complexity of this 2012 Champagne Grand Cru. Serve it at a temperature between 9°C and 11°C. Too cold would diminish the aromas, while a wine that is too warm risks being unbalanced and lacking elegance.
3. Opening the Bottle
To safely open the Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 - R&L Legras:
- Carefully remove the foil, leaving the wire cage still twisted for safety.
- Hold the cork with one hand and slowly rotate the bottle (not the cork) with the other.
- Allow the internal pressure to gently push out the cork, avoiding a sudden "pop" to preserve the effervescence and maintain the refinement of the perlage.
4. Inspection and First Taste
Immediately after opening, pour a small amount of wine into a clean, transparent glass. Observe the color and the fineness of the bubbles, then bring it to your nose to perceive the initial aromas. A slight hint of yeast and citrus is typical of a well-aged Champagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru like this. Taste a small sip to check the correct integrity of the wine and the liveliness of the perlage.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Although it is not customary to decant champagne, long-aged cuvées like the Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 - R&L Legras can benefit from slight oxygenation. Pour the wine into a wide carafe or use a specific champagne decanter, allowing it to "breathe" for about 10 minutes. This step helps to open up the bouquet and release the complex notes of pastry, hazelnut, and candied citrus.
6. Serving
Serve the champagne in tulip-shaped glasses or generously sized white wine glasses, which allow the aromas to express themselves best. Pour slowly, tilting the glass to avoid excessive loss of bubbles. Ideal pairings include:
- Shellfish and seafood
- Raw fish and sushi
- Refined dishes based on truffle or caviar
- Medium-aged creamy cheeses
7. Storage After Opening
If not consumed entirely, reseal the Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Saint Vincent' 2012 - R&L Legras with an airtight stopper for sparkling wines and store it in the refrigerator. Consume the wine within 24 hours to enjoy optimal freshness and still present perlage. Beyond this period, the wine will tend to lose its vibrancy, while still retaining a pleasant aromatic complexity.