What kind of wine is Champagne Brut Réserve 'Vielles Vignes' - Francis Orban

Champagne Brut Réserve 'Vielles Vignes' - Francis Orban is an elegant expression of the Vallée de la Marne region, one of the most renowned areas of Champagne, France. Made from old vines of 100% Pinot Meunier, this wine tells the story of the tradition of the Francis Orban maison, a family business dedicated for generations to producing authentic and well-balanced Champagnes. Crafted using the Champenoise method (or classic method), it undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle which gives it its typical fine and persistent bubbles, a sign of refinement and quality.

Vintage details

The Pinot Meunier grapes come from vines over 30 years old, located on the sunny slopes of Leuvrigny, in the heart of the Vallée de la Marne. The balanced climatic conditions of the vintage favor perfect ripening, with healthy and aromatic bunches. This translates into an intense, complex, and perfectly balanced Champagne between freshness and structure.

Winemaking and aging

In the production of Champagne Brut Réserve 'Vielles Vignes' - Francis Orban, only the classic method is used: the base wine ferments in stainless steel to preserve varietal freshness, after which it is blended with 50% vins de réserve (wines from previous vintages) to ensure continuity and depth of flavor. This is followed by aging for at least 24 months on the lees, during which the wine develops complexity and aromatic finesse. The final dosage is calibrated to achieve a perfect balance between freshness, softness, and mineral character.

Tasting notes

Every sip of this Champagne tells of its origin and the long experience of the maison.

Color

In the glass, it presents a brilliant golden yellow color, traversed by a fine and continuous perlage, indicating a well-executed second fermentation.

Nose

The bouquet is elegant and precise: notes of ripe white fruit, apple, and pear emerge, followed by citrus nuances and mineral hints. The evolution on the lees imparts hints of bread crust and toasted hazelnut, making the overall impression complex and harmonious.

Palate

On the palate, it is full, fresh, and beautifully structured. The sip is lively but balanced, with a mineral persistence that recalls the typicality of Pinot Meunier and a clean and refined finish. The fine and creamy bubbles contribute to making the tasting experience elegant and satisfying.

Food pairings for Champagne Brut Réserve 'Vielles Vignes' - Francis Orban

Thanks to its versatility, this Champagne is perfect from aperitif to a full meal. It pairs magnificently with:

• Seafood appetizers and shellfish
• White meats, poultry, or veal
• Platters of cured meats and soft cheeses
• Creamy risottos with vegetables or seafood

Its balanced character also makes it ideal on its own, for an elegant and impactful aperitif.

Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Brut Réserve 'Vielles Vignes' - Francis Orban

To preserve all its qualities, it is important to store Champagne Brut Réserve 'Vielles Vignes' - Francis Orban correctly:

• Temperature: constant between 10 and 12°C
• Light: avoid direct exposure to light sources or sunlight
• Position: keep the bottle horizontal, so that the cork remains in contact with the wine and maintains the right humidity

Stored in suitable conditions, this Champagne can evolve for several years, gaining in complexity and harmony while maintaining its lively freshness.