What kind of wine is Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'M09' 2009 - M. Hostomme (boxed set)
The Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'M09' 2009 - M. Hostomme (boxed set) is one of the most precious labels from the historic Maison M. Hostomme, located in Chouilly, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, a symbolic region for Chardonnay. This cuvée is made exclusively from selected grapes from Grand Cru vineyards, the highest expression of finesse and minerality in Champagne.
Like all great Champagnes, it is produced using the méthode champenoise (also called méthode classique), which involves a second fermentation in the bottle. During this phase, the bubbles form, a result of slow aging on the lees, which gives the wine aromatic complexity and creaminess on the palate.
Vintage Details
The 2009 vintage is considered one of the most successful vintages in the Champagne region. The harvest took place after a warm and stable summer, which favored a complete ripening of the grapes and an ideal balance between sugars and acidity. This translates into a wine with a harmonious, rich, and bright profile, capable of best expressing the purity of Grand Cru Chardonnay.
Winemaking and Aging
For the Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'M09' 2009, M. Hostomme exclusively uses Chardonnay fermented in oak barrels, a choice that imparts delicate toasted notes and a slight hint of vanilla. After secondary fermentation, the wine rests on its lees for over 7 years, the time needed to develop complex aromas and a silky texture.
The term "Brut Nature" indicates the absence of dosage, i.e., added sugar at disgorgement: a choice that highlights the wine's minerality and natural freshness to the utmost.
Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, it presents with a bright brilliant golden yellow and greenish reflections. The fine and persistent perlage reveals its long maturation on the lees and underscores its extraordinary quality.
Nose
The nose offers refined aromas of ripe citrus, yellow apple, and white flowers, with nuances of dried fruit, toasted bread, and subtle buttery notes. Mineral accents reminiscent of flint emerge, typical of the best Chardonnays from the Côte des Blancs.
Palate
The palate is taut, fresh, and precise, with a perfect balance between intensity and delicacy. The bubbles are fine and create a creamy sensation on the palate. The finish is long, elegant, and slightly savory, with a persistence that invites another sip.
Food Pairings for Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'M09' 2009 - M. Hostomme (boxed set)
This Champagne is an ideal companion for refined dishes and delicate preparations. Thanks to its structure and natural freshness, it pairs perfectly with:
- Raw seafood and white fish tartare
- Shellfish, oysters, and shrimp carpaccio
- Light pasta dishes with seafood or seasonal vegetables
- Fresh, soft cheeses
- Japanese cuisine and sushi
Also ideal as a meditative glass, to fully enjoy all the nuances of an author's Champagne.
Storage and Aging: How to Store Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'M09' 2009 - M. Hostomme (boxed set)
To best preserve the characteristics of this vintage, it is important to follow some simple but fundamental rules:
- Temperature: maintain consistently between 8°C and 12°C.
- Light: store the wine in the dark, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight.
- Bottle position: keep bottles horizontal so that the cork remains moist and ensures an airtight seal.
If stored under ideal conditions, the Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'M09' 2009 - M. Hostomme can evolve further in the bottle for several years, acquiring increasingly complex and fascinating aromatic nuances.
M. Hostomme
The History of M. Hostomme Winery The M. Hostomme winery represents a perfect synergy between tradition and innovation in the wine sector. With deep roots planted in the heart of France, M. Hostomme is the testament to decades of experience passed down through generations. Founded on the teaching...
How to best open and serve Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'M09' 2009 - M. Hostomme (in presentation box)
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening the Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'M09' 2009 - M. Hostomme (in presentation box), it is important to position the bottle correctly. After years of aging, it is advisable to avoid abrupt movements that could stir up any natural sediment.
- Leave the bottle upright for at least 24 hours before opening.
- Keep it away from heat sources and direct light.
- Ensure the bottle is stable on a solid surface when opening.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The perfect temperature for serving Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'M09' 2009 - M. Hostomme (in presentation box) is between 10°C and 12°C. A temperature that is too low risks penalizing the evolved aromas, while one that is too high amplifies the alcohol content.
- Gradually chill the bottle, preferably in an ice bucket with ice and water for about 25 minutes.
- Avoid the refrigerator for long periods, as this can alter the wine's structure.
3. Opening the bottle
Opening a vintage Champagne correctly requires care and precision. The goal is to avoid pressure loss and preserve the finesse of the bubbles.
- Gently remove the foil and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb over the cork.
- Slightly tilt the bottle to 45 degrees and rotate it with small movements, holding the cork still.
- Allow the gas to escape with a gentle "hiss" rather than a loud pop, to preserve aromas and internal pressure.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, carefully observe the color and the vivacity of the perlage. This Blanc de Blancs Champagne, being a 2009 vintage, may show golden reflections and fine, persistent bubbles.
- Evaluate the clarity and effervescence in the glass.
- Gently smell to catch the first ripening aromas, such as dried fruit and candied citrus.
- Taste a small sip to ensure the wine is in perfect condition.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Although rare for a Champagne, decanting can enhance the expression of an aged wine such as the Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'M09' 2009 - M. Hostomme (in presentation box). It helps to release complex aromas and allow for proper oxygenation.
- Slowly pour the contents into a Champagne carafe or a narrow-necked decanter.
- Allow it to oxygenate for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- If you prefer, you can perform an "in-bottle" decantation, pouring the first few glasses and allowing the wine to progressively open up in the glass.
6. Serving
For impeccable service, use large, tulip-shaped or white wine glasses, which enhance the aromatic bouquet of the Champagne.
- Pour slowly, tilting the glass slightly to preserve the bubbles.
- Offer a taste first to the guest of honor or whoever brought the bottle.
- Pair this Champagne with elegant dishes based on fish, shellfish, or pasta with creamy sauces.
7. Storage after opening
Once opened, the Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'M09' 2009 - M. Hostomme (in presentation box) must be carefully stored to maintain its freshness.
- Seal the bottle with a specific airtight Champagne stopper.
- Store it in the refrigerator at a temperature of approximately 6–8°C.
- Consume within 24 hours to best enjoy its persistence and finesse.
By following these steps, you will be able to fully appreciate the complexity and elegance of this extraordinary Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'M09' 2009 - M. Hostomme (in presentation box), the result of over a decade of aging and the great expertise of Maison M. Hostomme.