What wine is Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Verzenay 2015 - Lombard (boxed)
The Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Verzenay 2015 - Lombard (boxed) is born in the heart of the Montagne de Reims, in one of the few villages classified as Grand Cru. Maison Lombard, renowned for its philosophy focused on purity and respect for the terroir, explores here the authentic character of Verzenay, home to Pinot Noir of great elegance. Produced with the Champenoise method – a traditional process that involves secondary fermentation in the bottle – this Champagne expresses a perfect balance between structure and freshness, with fine and persistent bubbles that tell the story of its refined origin.
Vintage details
The 2015 vintage is considered one of the best of the decade in Champagne. The warm and sunny summer favored optimal grape ripening, ensuring wines of great concentration and aromatic depth. The cool nights of Verzenay preserved the natural acidity, providing a harmonious profile between power and freshness. This balance makes Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Verzenay 2015 - Lombard a vintage capable of evolving gracefully over time.
Vinification and aging
Vinification follows the traditional classic method, with bottle fermentation and natural secondary fermentation. After disgorgement, the wine rests on its lees for at least 48 months, enriching itself with complexity and finesse. The Brut Nature dosage – meaning no added sugar – enhances the purity of the fruit and the mineral identity of the Verzenay terroir, offering an authentic and direct experience of the territory.
Tasting notes
Color
In the glass, Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Verzenay 2015 - Lombard presents a luminous golden yellow, traversed by fine and persistent bubbles that confer vibrancy and visual brilliance.
Nose
On the nose, it reveals an elegant and complex bouquet: notes of candied citrus and dried fruit blend with hints of bread crust and toasted almond, typical of prolonged aging on the lees. Subtle mineral nuances evoke the chalkiness of the Verzenay soils.
Taste
On the palate, it is dry, linear, and precise. The attack is fresh and taut, then evolves towards a sensation of fullness and savoriness. The finish is long, balanced, and clean, with an aftertaste that recalls citrus zest and bitter almond. The effervescence is fine and well-integrated, testifying to the excellent work of maturation on the lees.
Food pairings for Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Verzenay 2015 - Lombard (boxed)
This Champagne lends itself to numerous pairings thanks to its structure and the complete absence of dosage, which emphasizes its freshness. Ideal for those seeking elegant yet balanced pairings.
- Raw seafood such as oysters, tuna tartare, or white fish carpaccio
- Shellfish dishes: steamed langoustines or lobster salad
- Aged or hard cheeses, which enhance its minerality
- Vegetarian dishes with a base of grilled vegetables or truffles
It is also a perfect aperitif Champagne for those who love dry and refined bubbles, or an excellent companion for an entire gourmet dinner.
Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Verzenay 2015 - Lombard (boxed)
To preserve the quality of this Champagne, it is important to store it carefully. Here are some practical tips:
- Temperature: keep the wine between 10°C and 12°C, avoiding sudden temperature changes that could alter the aromas.
- Light: store it in a dark or dimly lit environment, as direct light can compromise the wine's freshness.
- Position: store the bottle horizontally to keep the cork moist and ensure an airtight seal over time.
With optimal storage, Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Verzenay 2015 - Lombard (boxed) can be enjoyed for the next 5-6 years, evolving with elegance and developing more complex and mature notes without losing its vibrant mineral soul.
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 best open and serve Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Verzenay 2015 - Lombard (boxed)
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening the Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Verzenay 2015 - Lombard (boxed), it is important to position the bottle correctly. If it has been stored horizontally, place it upright for at least a few hours before serving, so that any sediment can settle at the bottom. Avoid vibrations and abrupt movements that could compromise the clarity and quality of the foam.
2. Ideal serving temperature
Temperature significantly influences the tasting experience. For this vintage Champagne, the ideal temperature is between 8°C and 10°C. Chill it gradually in a bucket with ice and water, without putting it in the freezer to avoid thermal shock. A wine that is too cold would be closed and not very expressive, while one that is too warm would lack freshness.
3. Opening the bottle
Opening a prestigious Champagne requires calm and precision:
- Remove the protective foil and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork.
- Hold the bottle tilted at about 45° and slowly rotate the bottle (not the cork) while maintaining slight pressure with your hand.
- Allow the cork to release with a gentle sigh, avoiding a pop and preserving the bubbles.
This procedure allows the delicate effervescence typical of Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Verzenay 2015 - Lombard (boxed) to be maintained intact.
4. Inspection and first taste
Pour a small amount into the glass to assess the color, clarity, and liveliness of the bubbles. On the nose, check that the aromas are clean and complex, without oxidative or unpleasant notes. A first sip will help you understand if the wine needs further oxygenation to express itself at its best.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Although decanting for Champagnes is not common, in the case of a vintage Champagne like the 2015, it can be useful to release all the evolved aromas.
- Use a wide, transparent carafe.
- Slowly pour the Champagne along the inner wall to minimize the loss of carbon dioxide.
- Let the wine rest for 10-15 minutes at a controlled temperature, so that it fully opens up on the nose and palate.
This brief oxygenation time enhances the aromatic complexity of the Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Verzenay 2015 - Lombard (boxed), revealing notes of dried fruit, ripe citrus, and the minerality typical of the Verzenay terroir.
6. Service
Use thin crystal flutes or tulip glasses, ideal for appreciating both the effervescence and the complex aromas. Pour slowly, keeping the bottle tilted to avoid excessive foam formation. Serve about two-thirds of the glass to allow for good oxygenation and the release of aromas. Pair this Champagne with raw fish dishes, shellfish, or aged cheeses, to enhance its elegance and structure.
7. Storage after opening
If any wine remains in the bottle, use a specific airtight Champagne stopper that maintains internal pressure. Store the bottle in the refrigerator and consume the contents within 24-36 hours to preserve the freshness and liveliness of the bubbles. Proper storage allows you to continue enjoying the finesse and complexity of the Champagne Brut Nature Grand Cru Verzenay 2015 - Lombard (boxed).