What kind of wine is Champagne Brut Nature Premier Cru 'Les Blanchiens' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils
The Champagne Brut Nature Premier Cru 'Les Blanchiens' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils originates in the heart of the Vallée de la Marne, France, from a family-run house that has combined tradition and experimentation since 1947. Roger Pouillon et Fils is among the producers most attentive to purity and the expression of the terroir, and this champagne is clear proof of that. Made with the méthode champenoise – the traditional process that involves a second fermentation in the bottle to create natural bubbles – it represents a perfect balance between artisanal precision and the authenticity of the terroir. It is a Premier Cru from selected Pinot Noir and Chardonnay parcels that give life to a Brut Nature, meaning a Champagne with no added sugar at disgorgement, where the wine's identity emerges in all its transparency.Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage in Champagne was characterized by irregular weather, with a hot summer and thunderstorms that naturally selected the best grapes. The vineyards of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, from which the grapes for "Les Blanchiens" originate, benefited from ideal exposure and chalk-rich soils that helped maintain freshness and minerality. The result is a surprisingly balanced vintage, where fruit and acidity coexist harmoniously, creating a Champagne of great vivacity and aromatic precision.Winemaking and Aging
The Champagne Brut Nature Premier Cru 'Les Blanchiens' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils is vinified using the classic method, meaning with a second fermentation in the bottle and subsequent long aging on the lees. The aging continues for over 5 years, a period that allows the wine to develop complexity and finesse. The absence of final dosage (no added sugar) enhances the purity of the fruit and the precision of the terroir. It is an essential and authentic expression of champagne, dedicated to those who love the truth of taste.Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, it presents an elegant golden yellow with luminous reflections. The fine and persistent bubbles rise regularly, a sign of long work on the lees and exemplary artisanal care.Nose
The bouquet is fine and complex. It opens with notes of ripe citrus and green apple, followed by nuances of bread crust and hazelnut due to aging. Delicate mineral and floral sensations then emerge, reminiscent of chalk and white flowers, typical of the Mareuil-sur-Aÿ area.Palate
On the palate, it is taut, vibrant, and surprisingly creamy. The brilliant acidity provides energy, while the balanced structure reveals a beautiful fruit juiciness. The finish is long, clean, and saline. The precision of the bubbles amplifies the sensation of freshness and invites another sip.Pairings for Champagne Brut Nature Premier Cru 'Les Blanchiens' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils
This Brut Nature Champagne is extremely versatile and pairs perfectly with delicate yet flavorful dishes. Ideal as a refined aperitif, it expresses itself best with:- Shellfish and oysters
- Tuna or salmon tartare
- White fish carpaccio
- Seafood or spring vegetable risottos
- Fresh and goat cheeses
Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Brut Nature Premier Cru 'Les Blanchiens' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils
To fully appreciate the character of this Champagne, it is important to store it carefully. Ideal conditions are:- Temperature: constant between 10 and 12°C, avoiding temperature fluctuations.
- Light: keep the bottle away from direct light, preferably in a dark environment.
- Position: horizontal bottle, to keep the cork moist and preserve the seal.
Roger Pouillon and Son
The story of the Roger Pouillon et Fils winery Roger Pouillon et Fils is a winery that embodies the perfect combination of tradition and innovation in the world of wine. This historic winery has managed to maintain ancient production techniques handed down from generation to generation. At the sa...
How to Open and Best Serve Champagne Brut Nature Premier Cru 'Les Blanchiens' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Champagne Brut Nature Premier Cru 'Les Blanchiens' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils, ensure the bottle has been standing upright for at least a few hours. This allows any natural sediment to settle at the bottom, preventing it from mixing with the wine during pouring.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The perfect serving temperature for this Champagne Premier Cru is between 8°C and 10°C. If it's too cold, you risk losing the complex aromas of the cuvée; if too warm, the effervescence will be excessive. Chill the bottle in an ice bucket with ice and water for about 20-30 minutes, never forcing it in the freezer, as this can alter the wine's structure.
3. Opening the Bottle
To properly open Champagne Brut Nature Premier Cru 'Les Blanchiens' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils:
- Gently remove the protective foil and the wire cage, always keeping a hand on the cork.
- Hold the bottle at about a 45° angle and slowly twist the bottle (not the cork), applying slight counter-pressure with your thumb.
- The cork should come out with a gentle sigh, avoiding the "pop" that would dissipate aromas and pressure.
4. Inspection and First Taste
After opening, observe the color and the fineness of the bubbles. Pour a small amount into the glass and check that the perlage is regular and persistent. On the nose, you should perceive notes of dried fruit, citrus, and white flowers typical of the Brut Nature style. A small taste will help you confirm that the wine is perfectly intact and at its best.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Although it's unusual to decant Champagne, in the case of Champagne Brut Nature Premier Cru 'Les Blanchiens' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils, a brief oxygenation can be beneficial. Pour the wine into a large crystal decanter and let it rest for 10–15 minutes: this will allow the more complex and mature aromas of the 2017 vintage to fully develop, while still retaining the liveliness of the bubbles.
6. Serving
Serve the Champagne in generous white wine glasses or wide flutes, to allow for proper aromatic concentration. Fill them two-thirds full, leaving space for the perlage and aromas to express themselves fully. Pair with refined dishes such as oysters, seafood crudos, or soft cheeses, which will enhance the wine's complexity and purity.
7. Storage After Opening
If there's any left over, re-seal the bottle with a specialized stopper for sparkling wines and store it in the refrigerator. This way, Champagne Brut Nature Premier Cru 'Les Blanchiens' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils will maintain its freshness and a decent effervescence for 1-2 days. Avoid storing it at room temperature, as this would accelerate the loss of carbon dioxide and aromatic degradation.