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€159,49
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Vintage:
2016
Denomination:
Champagne
Origin:
France, Champagne
Alcohol:
12.5%
Format:
0.75 L
Product origin:
Business
Serving temperature:
10°
When to drink:
Appetizers, Dinner, Special occasions
Type:
Champagne
Taste:
Fresh and mineral, with notes of citrus and hazelnut, long savory persistence
Flavorings:
citrus, dried fruit, bread crust, white flowers, chalk
Allergens:
Sulphites
Longevity:
15 years
What kind of wine is Champagne Brut Grand Cru 'l’Opiniâtre' 2016 - Mouzon Leroux
The Champagne Brut Grand Cru 'l’Opiniâtre' 2016 - Mouzon Leroux is born in the heart of the Montagne de Reims, one of the most highly-regarded areas of French Champagne. The Mouzon Leroux house has always been synonymous with craftsmanship and respect for the terroir, and with this vintage, it best expresses the producer's philosophy: authenticity, precision, and sensitivity to nature.
This Champagne is made using the Champenoise method, also known as the traditional method: the second fermentation takes place in the bottle, where the wine ages on its lees for several years, acquiring complexity, creaminess, and finesse. It is a slow and traditional process that yields all the magic of high-class bubbles.
Vintage Details
The 2016 vintage in Champagne was characterized by complex weather patterns, with a cool and rainy spring followed by a sunny and dry summer. This alternation favored a balanced ripening of the grapes, producing wines with vibrant freshness but also full structure. In the case of l’Opiniâtre, the Chardonnay Grand Cru grapes expressed a rich and mineral aromatic profile, typical of the best limestone soils of Verzy and Verzenay.
Winemaking and Aging
The grapes are harvested manually and ferment spontaneously in wood, thanks to the indigenous yeasts naturally present on the grapes. After the first fermentation, the wine is bottled for prise de mousse (i.e., the refermentation that creates the bubbles) and remains in contact with the lees for 66 months. This long aging develops complex aromas of bread, hazelnut, and sweet spices. At disgorgement, a minimal dosage is added, thus maintaining an impeccably balanced Brut profile. Winemaking takes place without filtration to preserve the wine's purity.
Tasting Notes
The Champagne Brut Grand Cru 'l’Opiniâtre' 2016 - Mouzon Leroux is a label of remarkable personality, combining elegance and expressive power in every sip.
Color
In the glass, it presents a brilliant golden yellow color, with fine and persistent bubbles, a sign of long aging on the lees. The mousse is fine and creamy, a prelude to an enveloping texture.
Aroma
The nose opens with intense and refined tones: candied citrus, dried fruit, and white flowers intertwine with notes of toasted bread and honey. With aeration, nuances of chalk and minerality emerge, distinctive characteristics of the Grand Crus of Montagne de Reims.
Taste
On the palate, it is harmonious and profound. The freshness of Chardonnay is balanced by a pleasant softness, while the fine and integrated bubbles accompany a long and persistent sip. The mineral and slightly saline finish immediately invites another taste.
Pairing suggestions for Champagne Brut Grand Cru 'l’Opiniâtre' 2016 - Mouzon Leroux
Perfect as an aperitif, this Champagne also performs at its best at the table. It pairs splendidly with refined but not overly complex dishes:
- Carpaccio and tartare of white fish or shellfish
- First courses based on seafood
- Noble poultry or veal in delicate preparations
- Aged hard cheeses
Its versatility and the purity of the Mouzon Leroux style make it ideal for special occasions or for those who want to discover a high-class and authentic Champagne Grand Cru.
Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Brut Grand Cru 'l’Opiniâtre' 2016 - Mouzon Leroux
To preserve the characteristics of this Champagne intact, it is essential to pay attention to storage:
- Temperature: maintain consistently between 10°C and 12°C
- Light: store away from direct light sources and vibrations
- Bottle position: preferably horizontal, so that the cork remains in contact with the wine and maintains the correct humidity
If stored under the right conditions, the Champagne Brut Grand Cru 'l’Opiniâtre' 2016 - Mouzon Leroux can evolve for several years, enriching itself with toasted and honeyed nuances, confirming the greatness of its character and the quality of the work of the Mouzon Leroux house.
Mouzon Leroux
The history of Mouzon Leroux winery Mouzon Leroux is a name that resonates among French wine excellences, combining tradition and modernity in a unique profile. Founded on solid family roots, this winery has passed through generations of passionate winemakers. Each bottle tells stories of a legac...
How to best open and serve Champagne Brut Grand Cru 'l’Opiniâtre' 2016 - Mouzon Leroux
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening, it is advisable to position the bottle of Champagne Brut Grand Cru 'l’Opiniâtre' 2016 - Mouzon Leroux upright for at least 24 hours. This allows sediment, typical of aged wines, to settle at the bottom, ensuring a clearer and more elegant pour. Avoid sudden movements or shaking that could compromise the quality of the perlage.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The optimal temperature to appreciate all the aromatic nuances of this vintage Grand Cru Champagne is between 10°C and 12°C. You can achieve this temperature by placing the bottle in an ice bucket with water for about 20 minutes or in the refrigerator for two hours. Temperatures that are too low risk limiting the expression of the aromas, while those that are too high alter its freshness.
3. Opening the Bottle
To open the bottle correctly:
- Remove the foil and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb over the cork for safety.
- Hold the bottle at a 45° angle and firmly grasp the cork.
- Slowly twist the base of the bottle (not the cork), letting the internal pressure gently push the cork out silently, avoiding a pop.
This method preserves the bubbles and adds a touch of class to the serving of Champagne Brut Grand Cru 'l’Opiniâtre' 2016 - Mouzon Leroux.
4. Inspection and First Taste
After opening, pour a small amount into the glass for an initial evaluation. Observe the color and clarity, sniff to detect any oxidative hints or defects. A clean and complex aroma, with evolved notes of dried fruit, candied citrus, and minerality, indicates that the Champagne is in perfect condition.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Although it is not common to decant a Champagne, for an important vintage like Champagne Brut Grand Cru 'l’Opiniâtre' 2016 - Mouzon Leroux, brief oxygenation can be useful to enhance its more mature notes. Gently pour the wine into a Champagne carafe or a wide-mouthed decanter, letting it breathe for 20-30 minutes. This process accentuates the aromatic complexity and softens any harsh edges.
6. Serving
Use wide Champagne glasses or tulip-shaped glasses, which allow for a better perception of the aromas. Pour slowly, along the inner edge of the glass, to maintain a fine and persistent perlage. Pair Champagne Brut Grand Cru 'l’Opiniâtre' 2016 - Mouzon Leroux with refined dishes such as crustaceans, fish tartare, or aged cheeses, for a complete tasting experience.
7. Storage After Opening
If not consumed entirely, close the bottle with a specific Champagne stopper and store it in the refrigerator, keeping it between 4°C and 6°C. This way, it can retain its freshness and effervescence for 1-2 days. Avoid storing it for too long after opening, as exposure to air can alter the wine's vibrancy and structure.
