What kind of wine is Champagne Extra-Brut 'Efflorescence' 2017 Magnum - Marie Courtin?
The Champagne Extra-Brut 'Efflorescence' 2017 Magnum - Marie Courtin is an elegant expression of the Côte des Bar territory, in the heart of the Aube, the southern part of Champagne. Produced exclusively by Marie Courtin, an artisanal and organic maison renowned for its "single parcel" production – meaning from a single vineyard plot – this Champagne represents the quintessence of purity and French oenological precision.
The term Extra-Brut indicates a very low sugar dosage, which allows the wine to retain its authenticity and enhances the natural characteristics of the grape and the soil. The Efflorescence 2017 is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes grown biodynamically and vinified according to the Champenoise method, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle, responsible for its fine and persistent bubbles.
Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage in Champagne was characterized by variable weather, with a cool spring followed by a warm and dry summer. The vines benefited from perfect grape ripening, which yielded wines of great expressiveness and balanced structure. In this vintage, the expert hand of Dominique Moreau – founder and soul of the Marie Courtin maison – skillfully interpreted the vintage with sensitivity, obtaining a Champagne with a complex and vibrant profile.
Vinification and aging
Champagne Extra-Brut 'Efflorescence' 2017 Magnum is produced using the classic method (or champenoise), which involves re-fermentation in the bottle and a long aging on the lees, in this case about 3 years. This long contact with the lees gives the wine nuances of toasted bread and hazelnut notes. The Extra-Brut dosage, with minimal residual sugar, enhances the verticality and freshness of the sip, making it a pure and authentic Champagne, designed for those who love a dry and mineral style.
Tasting Notes
The Champagne Extra-Brut 'Efflorescence' 2017 Magnum - Marie Courtin is a wine that engages all the senses, thanks to the perfect balance between character, elegance, and complexity.
Color
Visually, it presents an intense golden yellow with bright reflections. The perlage – or the chain of fine and continuous bubbles – is extraordinarily elegant and regular, a sign of a long stay on the lees.
Nose
On the nose, it opens with aromas of ripe citrus, quince, and fresh almond. This is followed by more complex notes of bread crust and floral nuances, typical of pure vinification and long aging. The aroma is clean, refined, and continuously evolving in the glass.
Palate
On the palate, it is dry, energetic, and profound. The texture is creamy, and the very fine bubbles support a pleasant mineral tension. The finish is long and vibrant, with a lingering taste that leaves the mouth fresh and savory. It is a classy Champagne, perfectly balanced between structure and refinement.
What dishes to pair with Champagne Extra-Brut 'Efflorescence' 2017 Magnum - Marie Courtin
This Extra-Brut Champagne is ideal for accompanying special moments and refined dishes. The magnum also makes it perfect for convivial occasions.
- Seafood appetizers: oysters, white fish carpaccio, salmon tartare.
- Main courses: delicate seafood risottos or risottos with seasonal vegetables.
- Second courses: beef tartare or roasted poultry with aromatic herbs.
- Cheeses: fresh goat cheeses or aged bloomy-rind cheeses.
Its versatility makes it a perfect companion for modern and fusion cuisine, where the balance between flavors and textures is fundamental.
Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Extra-Brut 'Efflorescence' 2017 Magnum - Marie Courtin
To preserve the freshness and finesse of this Champagne over time, it is important to store it carefully. Here are some practical tips:
- Temperature: between 10°C and 12°C, constant and without fluctuations.
- Light: avoid direct light exposure, especially sunlight.
- Position: the bottle should be stored horizontally, to keep the cork moist and ensure a perfect seal.
Well-preserved, the Champagne Extra-Brut 'Efflorescence' 2017 Magnum - Marie Courtin can evolve positively for several years, developing increasingly complex and fascinating nuances.
Marie Courtin
The story of the Marie Courtin winery Marie Courtin is a name that evokes tradition and innovation in the world of wine. This winery, located in the heart of Champagne, has made artisanal quality its hallmark. The history of Marie Courtin is a fascinating blend of respect for the past and opennes...
How to best open and serve Champagne Extra-Brut 'Efflorescence' 2017 Magnum - Marie Courtin
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Champagne Extra-Brut 'Efflorescence' 2017 Magnum - Marie Courtin, it is important to handle the bottle with care. If it has been stored horizontally, slowly bring it to a vertical position at least an hour before serving. This allows any sediment to settle at the bottom, preventing cloudiness when opened.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The right temperature is crucial to fully appreciate the finesse and complexity of this vintage champagne. Bring the bottle to 8–10°C: a colder temperature will enhance its freshness, while one that is too warm would diminish the bubbles and aromatic notes. You can chill it by:
- Immersing it in an ice bucket with ice and water for about 30 minutes.
- Or by keeping it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving.
3. Opening the bottle
To safely open Champagne Extra-Brut 'Efflorescence' 2017 Magnum - Marie Courtin, follow these steps:
- Dry the bottle well to prevent it from slipping from your hands.
- Remove the foil and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb over the cork.
- Hold the bottle at an angle of about 45° and slowly rotate the base, not the cork, to facilitate a quiet and controlled opening.
Avoid the classic “pop”: a gentle opening preserves the internal pressure and maintains the liveliness of the bubbles for longer.
4. Inspection and first taste
Pour a small amount of wine into a glass for an initial evaluation. Observe the color and brilliance, smell the aroma to detect any defects, and taste a sip to verify its quality. Champagne Extra-Brut 'Efflorescence' 2017 Magnum - Marie Courtin should appear clean, taut, and mineral, with elegant notes typical of the Champagne terroir.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
While not common practice for champagne, a vintage like this can benefit from brief oxygenation. If you want to enhance its mature complexity:
- Gently pour the champagne into a sparkling wine carafe or a wide decanter, allowing it to breathe for about 5–10 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can achieve gradual oxygenation by serving it in wide “tulip” glasses and enjoying it slowly.
6. Serving
Serve Champagne Extra-Brut 'Efflorescence' 2017 Magnum - Marie Courtin in clean, transparent glasses, preferably white wine glasses with a slightly flared opening, to enhance its aromas and persistence. Pour slowly, filling the glass two-thirds full, and wait a few moments to allow the perlage to stabilize before tasting.
7. Storage after opening
If you don't finish the Magnum, store the bottle in the refrigerator with a sparkling wine stopper. This way, you can enjoy Champagne Extra-Brut 'Efflorescence' 2017 Magnum - Marie Courtin even the next day, maintaining much of its effervescence and aromatic complexity. Remember, however, that beyond 24–36 hours, its vitality will tend to decrease.