What kind of wine is Champagne Brut Nature 1er Cru 'Terre Des Moines' 2017 - Vadin - Plateau
The Champagne Brut Nature 1er Cru 'Terre Des Moines' 2017 - Vadin - Plateau is an authentic and refined expression of the Cumières territory, in the heart of Champagne. It is a pure Pinot Meunier, a variety that reaches great complexity and character in this area. Produced by the family-run Vadin-Plateau winery, active since 1785, this Champagne embodies the artisanal philosophy of sustainable production with great precision. The "Brut Nature" version denotes the absence of added sugars at disgorgement, highlighting the purity and truth of the fruit. Like all Champagnes, it is produced using the Champenoise method (or traditional method): a second fermentation in the bottle, during which the bubbles naturally form and the wine slowly matures on its lees, acquiring complexity and finesse.Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage in Champagne was marked by contrasting weather: a mild and early spring favored good flowering, followed by a hot and dry summer. In Cumières, Pinot Meunier benefited from excellent ripening, yielding balanced wines with great acidic tension and aromatic depth. This 2017 stands out for its clarity, freshness, and gustatory precision.Vinification and Aging
The Champagne Brut Nature 1er Cru 'Terre Des Moines' 2017 - Vadin - Plateau is vinified according to the traditional method:- Fermentation in steel tanks and aging on lees for about 4 years, to develop structure and complexity.
- Zero dosage (Brut Nature), which allows the minerality and purity of the grape to emerge.
Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, it presents a luminous golden yellow, with a fine and persistent effervescence, a sign of long aging on the lees and great care in the cellar.Nose
The bouquet is intense and refined, with notes of ripe pear, citrus, white flowers, and bread crust. Mineral hints emerge, along with a slight nuance of toasted hazelnut, reflecting the depth of Pinot Meunier and the prolonged aging.Taste
On the palate, it is taut, dry, and vibrant, dominated by a pronounced saline freshness and a perfect balance between structure and finesse. The bubbles are creamy, perfectly integrated, and accompany a long and clean finish, with a citrusy and mineral character.Food Pairings for Champagne Brut Nature 1er Cru 'Terre Des Moines' 2017 - Vadin - Plateau
This Champagne pairs beautifully with refined dishes, but also with simple options that enhance its elegance:- Shellfish and raw fish carpaccio
- Tuna or salmon tartare
- Fresh and goat cheeses
- White meats and poultry, perhaps with light lemon or herb sauces
Storage and Aging – how to store Champagne Brut Nature 1er Cru 'Terre Des Moines' 2017 - Vadin - Plateau
To best preserve this Champagne and maintain its freshness, it is important to follow a few simple rules:- Temperature: between 10°C and 12°C, constant and free from temperature fluctuations.
- Light: keep the bottle away from direct light sources, in a dark environment or cellar.
- Position: the bottle should be stored horizontally, so that the cork always remains in contact with the wine and does not dry out.
Vadin-Plateau
The history of the Vadin-Plateau winery Vadin-Plateau is a winery that skillfully blends tradition, heritage, and innovation. For generations, this historic wine estate has been synonymous with quality and passion, perpetuating traditional techniques that evolve over time to embrace new methodolo...
How to best open and serve Champagne Brut Nature 1er Cru 'Terre Des Moines' 2017 - Vadin - Plateau
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Champagne Brut Nature 1er Cru 'Terre Des Moines' 2017 - Vadin - Plateau, make sure the bottle has been stored horizontally, away from light and heat sources. A few days before serving, keep it in an upright position to allow sediment to settle at the bottom, thus ensuring a clear and precise pour.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
This Champagne displays its elegance and complexity at a temperature between 8°C and 10°C. Chill it gradually in a bucket with ice and water for about 20-30 minutes. Avoid the refrigerator for long periods, which can alter the delicate aromatic notes.
3. Opening the Bottle
To correctly open Champagne Brut Nature 1er Cru 'Terre Des Moines' 2017 - Vadin - Plateau:
- Remove the foil cap and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork for safety.
- Hold the bottle at a 45° angle and slowly twist the base, keeping the cork still.
- Allow the cork to release with a gentle sigh rather than a violent pop, which indicates a controlled opening that respects the bubbles.
4. Inspection and First Taste
Observe the color in the glass, which in the case of this vintage shows golden hues and fine effervescence. Bring it to your nose to catch the floral and mineral notes typical of this cuvée. The first sip serves to verify the wine's vivacity and cleanliness, preparing you for its full aromatic expression.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Although not common for Champagne, decanting a vintage like Champagne Brut Nature 1er Cru 'Terre Des Moines' 2017 - Vadin - Plateau can enhance the sensory experience. Gently pour the wine into a wide carafe or let it breathe in the glass for 10-15 minutes. This process allows complex aromas to be released and makes the bubbles finer and more harmonious.
6. Serving
Serve the Champagne in crystal tulip-shaped glasses, ideal for concentrating aromas and enhancing the perlage. Fill the glass about one-third full, promoting better oxygenation and a complete olfactory experience. This wine pairs perfectly with raw fish dishes, shellfish, and fresh cheeses.
7. Storage After Opening
If not consumed entirely, seal the bottle with an airtight sparkling wine stopper and store it in the refrigerator. Under these conditions, Champagne Brut Nature 1er Cru 'Terre Des Moines' 2017 - Vadin - Plateau retains its freshness for 24-48 hours. Avoid storing it longer to prevent loss of effervescence and bouquet integrity.