What kind of wine is Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Cuvéè du Goulté' 2015 - Marie Noëlle Ledru
The Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Cuvéè du Goulté' 2015 - Marie Noëlle Ledru is a Blanc de Noirs of rare elegance, produced exclusively in Ambonnay, one of the most renowned villages in Champagne for cultivating Pinot Noir. Marie Noëlle Ledru, considered one of the most authentic interpreters of this grape, signs a Champagne that fully represents the artisanal and family philosophy of the maison: respect for the territory, patience, and precision.
As per Champagne tradition, the second fermentation takes place in the bottle: a process that gives the wine its unmistakable natural effervescence, made of fine and persistent bubbles. The Extra Brut approach – meaning a very low sugar dosage – allows for enhancing the transparency and purity of the fruit, without compromise.
Vintage details
The 2015 vintage in Champagne was characterized by a hot and dry summer, followed by beneficial rains just before the harvest. The Pinot Noir grapes reached ideal ripeness, maintaining freshness and acidic tension. This allowed for obtaining a Cuvée with perfect balance between power and aromatic finesse, with a perfectly defined structure already after the first years of aging on the lees.
Vinification and aging
The production of Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Cuvéè du Goulté' 2015 - Marie Noëlle Ledru follows the rigorous méthode champenoise, also known as the traditional method. After alcoholic fermentation, the wine rests on its lees for an extended period, over 5 years, during which it develops complexity and creaminess. The Extra Brut dosage (very little sugar added at disgorgement) enhances its territorial identity and the purity of the expression of Pinot Noir from Ambonnay.
Tasting notes
Color
Visually, it presents an intense golden yellow with coppery reflections, a sign of the concentration and body typical of Pinot Noir. The perlage is very fine and continuous, indicating long aging on the lees.
Nose
The bouquet is deep and refined: notes of ripe red fruit, candied citrus, and toasted bread emerge, accompanied by nuances of honey, dried fruit, and sweet spices. With oxygenation, mineral and toasted hints of great complexity develop.
Taste
On the palate, it is decisive, ample, and vibrant: the attack is energetic, followed by a creamy texture and a long, saline finish. The Extra Brut character highlights freshness and precision, while the finesse of the bubbles elegantly accompanies each sip, inviting the discovery of new aromatic details.
Food pairings for Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Cuvéè du Goulté' 2015 - Marie Noëlle Ledru
This Champagne, with its decisive and refined character, lends itself to numerous gastronomic pairings. Perfect for pure tasting, it finds its ideal balance with dishes with a soft texture and structured aromas. Here are some suggestions:
- Red tuna carpaccio or smoked salmon
- Beef tartare with Guérande salt
- Porcini mushroom or truffle risotto
- Roasted poultry or veal in a light sauce
- Aged hard cheeses, such as Comté or Parmigiano Reggiano
A glass that can also be enjoyed on its own, as the protagonist of an elegant aperitif or a conversation among trusted friends.
Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Cuvéè du Goulté' 2015 - Marie Noëlle Ledru
To best preserve the quality and aromatic nuances of this Champagne, it is important to store it carefully. Here are some practical tips:
- Temperature: keep the bottle between 10 and 12°C, avoiding sudden temperature changes.
- Light: avoid direct exposure to sunlight or intense artificial light, which can alter the aromas.
- Position: store the bottle horizontally, so that the cork remains in contact with the wine and maintains the correct humidity.
Over time, the Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Cuvéè du Goulté' 2015 - Marie Noëlle Ledru can develop surprising complexity: if well kept, it can offer emotions even after several years, evolving towards more toasted, spicy, and mature notes.
Marie Noëlle Ledru
The history of Marie Noëlle Ledru winery Marie Noëlle Ledru is a name that resonates with wine enthusiasts for its blend of tradition and innovation. This winery represents the legacy of a long winemaking history, where techniques passed down through generations meet modern methods to offer a pro...
How to best open and serve Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Cuvée du Goulté' 2015 - Marie Noëlle Ledru
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening the Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Cuvée du Goulté' 2015 - Marie Noëlle Ledru, it's important to position it correctly. After transport, let the bottle rest in a vertical position for at least a few hours, so that any sediment can settle at the bottom. If the bottle has been stored in a cellar, slowly bring it to serving temperature, avoiding sudden temperature changes.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The optimal temperature for serving this vintage Champagne is around 10-12°C. Any lower, and the complex aromas of the vintage might not fully express themselves; any higher, and the bubbles would be too intrusive. Chill the bottle in an ice bucket with ice and water for about 20-25 minutes, or in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
3. Opening the Bottle
To properly open the Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Cuvée du Goulté' 2015 - Marie Noëlle Ledru:
- Carefully remove the foil, without shaking the bottle.
- Loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on top of the cork.
- Tilt the bottle at an angle of approximately 45°, grasping the cork and gently rotating the bottle (not the cork).
- Allow the gas to escape slowly, aiming for a sigh rather than a pop: this preserves the finesse and internal pressure.
4. Inspection and First Taste
Pour a small amount of Champagne into the glass for the first visual and olfactory check. Verify the clarity, the fineness of the perlage, and the absence of oxidative or unpleasant aromas. A slight hint of yeast or brioche is natural in a Champagne of this caliber and vintage.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Although decanting a Champagne is rare, for a Grand Cru vintage like this, a slight oxygenation can be beneficial. Slowly pour the contents into a Champagne carafe or a large glass, allowing it to breathe for about 10-15 minutes. This process helps to release the deeper aromas of dried fruit, toastiness, and mineral notes typical of the Cuvée du Goulté 2015.
6. Serving
Use wide-bodied flutes or white wine glasses to enhance the aromatic complexity. Pour slowly to avoid excessive loss of effervescence. Ensure that each glass receives the same amount of perlage and wine, offering a balanced and refined tasting experience.
7. Storage After Opening
If not entirely consumed, re-seal the bottle with a specific airtight Champagne stopper. Store it in the refrigerator, keeping it in a vertical position. By doing so, the Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Cuvée du Goulté' 2015 - Marie Noëlle Ledru will maintain its freshness and some of its effervescence for 24-48 hours.