What wine is Champagne Brut Nature Millésimé 2008 - Lombard (boxed)
The Champagne Brut Nature Millésimé 2008 - Lombard (boxed) is born in the heart of Champagne, the world-renowned French region for sparkling wines. It is a vintage wine, meaning it is only produced in years of exceptional quality, and signed by Maison Lombard, a family business that has elegantly interpreted the "Brut Nature" style for generations: that is, without added sugar after disgorgement. This wine expresses the purity of the terroir thanks to the Champenoise method (or classic method), which involves a second fermentation in the bottle and a long aging on the lees, capable of giving complexity, creaminess, and brilliance to the perlage.Vintage Details
The 2008 vintage is considered one of Champagne's best for its balance and finesse. The climatic conditions alternated between a cool and luminous summer and a dry and sunny autumn, allowing for optimal grape ripening. The result was a harvest of great aromatic freshness and structure, ideal for a Brut Nature with a rigorous yet harmonious style.Vinification and Aging
The production faithfully follows the classic method: after the first fermentation, the wine rests for over 84 months on its lees – more than 7 years of slow evolution in the bottle. This long contact with the lees develops notes of brioche, hazelnut, and dried fruit. The absence of sugar dosage (Zero Dosage) enhances the wine's personality, the transparency of the terroir, and the Maison's stylistic signature: precision, tension, and mineral freshness.Tasting Notes
Color
It presents a brilliant golden yellow color with straw reflections. The bubbles are fine and persistent, a distinctive sign of long aging and a perlage of great finesse.Nose
The bouquet is complex and refined: aromas of ripe citrus, almond notes, and mineral hints emerge. With aeration, nuances of bread crust and light toasting open up, typical of the long contact with the lees.Palate
On the palate, it surprises with its balance and energy. The attack is dry and lively, the structure is taut but harmonious, supported by elegant acidity. The long, mineral finish leaves a savory and refreshing trail that invites another sip.What dishes to pair with Champagne Brut Nature Millésimé 2008 - Lombard (boxed)
This Champagne pairs perfectly with dishes that enhance its purity and liveliness. Excellent as a classy aperitif, it pairs wonderfully with:- Raw seafood and oysters
- Salmon or tuna tartare
- Steamed or grilled fish
- Delicate white meats
- Fresh, soft cheeses
Storage and Aging
How to store Champagne Brut Nature Millésimé 2008 - Lombard (boxed)
To preserve all the quality and elegance of this Champagne, it is important to follow a few simple rules:- Temperature: keep the bottle at a constant temperature of about 10-12°C, avoiding sudden changes.
- Light: store in a dark place, as light can alter aromas and effervescence.
- Position: keep the bottle lying down, so that the cork remains moist and ensures a perfect seal.
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 Millésimé 2008 - Lombard (case)
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening your Champagne Brut Nature Millésimé 2008 - Lombard (case), ensure that the bottle has been stored horizontally, away from light and heat sources. A couple of hours before serving, stand it upright to allow natural sediments to settle at the bottom. Avoid abrupt movements to not disturb the fine bubbles of the Champagne.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The serving temperature is crucial to fully appreciate the elegance of this Champagne Brut Nature Millésimé 2008 - Lombard (case). Serve it between 10°C and 12°C, using a bucket with ice and water. Temperatures that are too low can inhibit the complex aromas typical of an aged vintage Champagne.
3. Opening the bottle
Follow these steps for a safe and correct opening:
- Carefully remove the foil capsule and loosen the wire cage, always keeping a thumb on the cork to prevent sudden release.
- Hold the bottle at a 45° angle and firmly grasp the cork.
- Rotate the bottle (not the cork) slowly, until you hear a gentle sigh rather than a loud pop, thus preserving the internal pressure and effervescence.
4. Inspection and initial tasting
After opening, pour a small amount of wine into a glass to check its appearance and effervescence. Observe the golden color and the fine grain of the bubbles: distinctive signs of a mature vintage Champagne. Perform an initial tasting to ensure the wine is sound and free from undesirable oxidized notes.
5. Decantation and oxygenation
Although it is rare to decant a Champagne, a Brut Nature Millésimé 2008 can benefit from slight oxygenation to best express its aromatic complexity. You can:
- Gently pour it into a Champagne carafe or a large glass to promote contact with air.
- Allow it to breathe for 10-15 minutes before serving, enabling its evolved aromas to fully emerge.
6. Serving
Use large tulip-shaped glasses, which allow for a correct perception of the bouquet and structure. Pour slowly, tilting the glass slightly, to preserve the fineness of the bubbles. Pair the Champagne Brut Nature Millésimé 2008 - Lombard (case) with refined dishes such as oysters, shellfish, or aged cheeses, to enhance its complex taste.
7. Storage after opening
If you do not consume the entire bottle, re-seal it with a specific airtight Champagne stopper and store it in the refrigerator. It is advisable to consume it within 24 hours to maintain the freshness and liveliness of the perlage. Proper storage ensures that the Champagne Brut Nature Millésimé 2008 - Lombard (case) retains its distinctive qualities until the last sip.