What kind of wine is Champagne Extra Brut 1er Cru Blanc de Noirs - Lombard

Champagne Extra Brut 1er Cru Blanc de Noirs - Lombard is born in the heart of Champagne, from 100% Pinot Noir grapes from Premier Cru classified vineyards, grown on calcareous and clayey soils. It is a Blanc de Noirs, meaning a Champagne produced exclusively from black grapes, but vinified as a white wine, a characteristic that confers structure and depth while maintaining elegance and finesse. The Maison Lombard, a family-run business with a solid tradition, operates according to the Champenoise method – or traditional method – which involves secondary fermentation in the bottle and a long aging on the lees, responsible for the creaminess and aromatic complexity of this wine.

Vintage Details

The grapes intended for Champagne Extra Brut 1er Cru Blanc de Noirs - Lombard are harvested in vintages characterized by a balanced climate: mild summers and slow ripening that allow for healthy berries, with a perfect balance between sugars and acidity. This combination gives the wine a linear and refined personality, enhancing the purity of Pinot Noir.

Vinification and aging

The vinification faithfully follows the traditional method, with the first fermentation in steel and the addition of a small percentage of reserve wines, partially aged in oak barrels, to broaden the gustatory complexity. After bottling, the wine rests for about 36 months on its lees, during which time it develops notes of bread, dried fruit, and a particularly fine perlage. The extra brut dosage (low sugar content) highlights its natural freshness and sapidity, making it perfectly balanced between energy and harmony.

Tasting Notes

Color

Visually, Champagne Extra Brut 1er Cru Blanc de Noirs - Lombard presents a luminous golden color with coppery reflections. The bubbles are fine, numerous, and persistent, a sign of careful and prolonged aging.

Nose

The bouquet is elegant and complex: notes of ripe apple, citrus, bread crust, and toasted almond emerge. With time, more delicate nuances of dried flowers and light spices open up, typical expressions of Premier Cru Pinot Noir.

Palate

On the palate, it is structured, fresh, and mineral. The gustatory texture reveals fruity notes and a hint of hazelnut, supported by a lively acidic tension and a long, clean finish. The fine perlage contributes to a creamy and dynamic sip, which concludes with a pleasantly dry and saline finish.

Food Pairings for Champagne Extra Brut 1er Cru Blanc de Noirs - Lombard

Perfect for those seeking an eclectic and gastronomic Champagne, this Blanc de Noirs pairs easily with various preparations. Ideal as an aperitif for discerning palates, it performs best at the table with:

• appetizers based on raw fish or shellfish
• grilled or baked fish dishes
• delicate white meats, such as veal or poultry
• soft cheeses, slightly aged

Its distinct freshness and the structure of Pinot Noir also make it an excellent companion for modern and creative cuisine, where the contrast between savoriness and aromaticity plays a fundamental role.

Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Extra Brut 1er Cru Blanc de Noirs - Lombard

To preserve all the aromatic nuances and the finesse of the perlage, Champagne Extra Brut 1er Cru Blanc de Noirs - Lombard should be stored carefully. Here are some practical rules:

• Temperature: maintain consistently between 10°C and 12°C.
• Position: store the bottle horizontally, to keep the cork moist and ensure an airtight seal.
• Light and vibrations: avoid direct light and vibrations that can alter the wine's evolution.

While ready to be enjoyed immediately, this Champagne can evolve for several years, developing greater complexity and more mature nuances, making it ideal for those who wish to discover the charm of bottle aging.