What kind of wine is Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Cramant 2015 - Lombard (boxed)
The Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Cramant 2015 - Lombard (boxed) is an excellent Blanc de Blancs, the result of the mastery of Maison Lombard, one of the most interesting producers in the Cramant area, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. This region is famous for producing Champagne exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, which give the wines a marked mineral freshness and refined elegance. Made according to the Champenoise method (also known as the traditional method), this wine stands out for its second fermentation in the bottle, a phase that gives it its typical fine and persistent effervescence. The term Brut Nature indicates that no sugar is added after disgorgement, thus maintaining the absolute purity of the wine and the direct expression of the terroir from which it comes.Vintage details
The 2015 vintage is considered one of the best in Champagne in recent years. The warm and sunny summer favored ideal grape ripening, while maintaining a fresh balance thanks to cooler nights. The result is a mature yet vibrant wine, with a broad and vibrant aromatic profile, perfectly balanced between intensity and finesse.Vinification and aging
The Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Cramant 2015 - Lombard (boxed) is vinified using the classic method: after the first fermentation in steel, the wine rests for a long aging on its lees, prolonged for about 48 months. This maturation period enriches the aromatic complexity, giving notes of brioche and dried fruit. The absence of dosage (no added sugar) enhances the clarity and mineral structure typical of Cramant Grand Crus.Tasting notes
Colour
In the glass, it presents a brilliant straw yellow, with a very fine and regular perlage, a sign of long maturation and artisanal care.Nose
On the nose, it opens with elegant and complex aromas: ripe citrus, white flowers, and a slight hint of toasted almond. With aeration, notes of green apple and subtle mineral hints emerge, revealing the chalky origin of the Cramant soil.Palate
On the palate, it is pure, vibrant, and luminous. The absence of dosage makes the taste dry, vertical, and persistent, with subtle bubbles that caress the palate and a savory and long finish. It is a Champagne that communicates precision, energy, and harmony.What dishes to pair with Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Cramant 2015 - Lombard (boxed)
This Champagne pairs perfectly with refined yet simple dishes, ideal for enhancing its freshness and purity. It can accompany:- oysters, fish tartare, or seafood carpaccio;
- dishes based on crustaceans or seafood;
- fresh soft cheeses such as goat cheese or robiola;
- light vegetarian cuisine, such as creamy soups and asparagus risottos.
Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Cramant 2015 - Lombard (boxed)
To preserve the qualities of this Champagne intact, it is important to follow a few simple precautions:- Keep the bottle horizontally, to keep the cork moist and prevent air infiltration.
- Store it in a cool and stable environment, with a temperature between 10°C and 14°C.
- Avoid direct exposure to light or heat sources.
Lombard
The story of the Champagne Lombard winery Discovering the story of the Champagne Lombard winery means embarking on a journey through tradition, heritage, and innovation. Founded in the heart of the Champagne region, this winery has managed to combine respect for ancient techniques with an innovat...
How to open and best serve Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Cramant 2015 - Lombard (boxed)
1. Bottle placement
Before opening your Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Cramant 2015 - Lombard (boxed), it is important to position it correctly. Keep it in a horizontal position to allow the wine to maintain the right balance between the cork and the liquid. A few hours before tasting, stand it upright to allow any sediment to settle at the bottom, thus avoiding clouding the wine when opening.
2. Ideal serving temperature
Serving temperature is essential to fully appreciate the aromatic complexity of this Grand Cru Champagne. Ideally, it should be served at a temperature between 8°C and 10°C. To achieve this temperature:
- Chill the bottle in a bucket with ice and water for about 25-30 minutes.
- Avoid putting it in the freezer: the thermal shock could alter the perlage and the aromatic profile.
3. Opening the bottle
Opening a bottle of Champagne requires delicacy and attention. Follow these steps:
- Carefully remove the protective capsule.
- Slightly tilt the bottle to 45°, holding it firmly.
- Loosen the wire cage while keeping your thumb on the cork.
- Slowly rotate the bottle (not the cork) until you hear a slight sigh: this is the gas being released gently, without wasting wine or excessive foam.
A silent opening indicates impeccable service.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, pour a small amount of Champagne into the glass for an initial evaluation. Observe the golden color and the fine, persistent perlage. Smell to perceive the aromas of citrus, white flowers, and minerals typical of the Cramant terroir. Taste to ensure the wine is in perfect condition, free from defects or unwanted oxidation.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
For a vintage Champagne Brut Nature like this 2015, brief oxygenation can enhance its bouquet. Although Champagne is rarely decanted, in some cases a wide decanter can be used for a controlled oxygen supply:
- Decant only if the wine shows initial closed or reduced notes.
- Pour slowly along the sides of the decanter to preserve some of its effervescence.
- Wait 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the wine to fully express its aromatic complexity.
6. Serving
Use tulip glasses or specific Champagne flutes, which favor the concentration of aromas and enhance the fineness of the perlage. Pour slowly, filling the glass about one-third of its capacity. Serve the Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Cramant 2015 - Lombard (boxed) in a way that maintains a constant temperature and preserves its natural freshness.
7. Storage after opening
If you do not consume the entire bottle, store the Champagne closed with a specific sparkling wine stopper, in the refrigerator. It maintains its effervescence for about 24 hours. Beyond this period, the wine will begin to lose vibrancy and freshness, but you can still appreciate its aromatic complexity.
By following these tips, you can fully experience the sensory journey offered by the Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Cramant 2015 - Lombard (boxed), savoring all the refinement and elegance typical of the great Champagnes of Cramant.