What wine is Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Les Valnons' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils
The Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Les Valnons' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils is an authentic and refined expression of pure Chardonnay, from the prestigious lieu-dit Les Valnons, located on the hill of Aÿ, one of the most vocated terroirs in Champagne. Produced by the historic Maison Roger Pouillon et Fils, a symbol of elegance and respect for tradition for three generations, it represents a perfect balance between craftsmanship and enological precision.
Like all high-quality Champagnes, it is made using the Méthode Champenoise (or traditional method), which involves secondary fermentation in the bottle, allowing for the natural formation of bubbles and imparting complexity, creaminess, and great persistence to the wine.
Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage in Champagne is remembered for its rapid vegetative growth and warm, dry summer months, which favored the perfect ripening of the grapes. The Chardonnays of Aÿ expressed notes of particular fullness and mineral tension. The result is a wine with a decisive yet harmonious character, with an extraordinary aging potential.
Winemaking and Aging
The Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Les Valnons' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils is vinified with sartorial attention: a portion of the must ferments in barriques, adding complexity and softness to the aromatic profile. The wine then rests on its lees for several years, the time necessary to develop structure and gustatory depth. The extra brut dosage, with a very low residual sugar, enhances the purity of the Chardonnay and the minerality of the terroir.
Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, the color is luminous, a clear golden yellow with straw reflections. The bubbles are fine and persistent, a sign of long maturation and great quality of the perlage.
Nose
The nose reveals itself as complex and refined: notes of ripe citrus, white-fleshed fruit, and hints of brioche intertwine with mineral nuances and light toastiness from the wood aging.
Palate
On the palate, the sip is lively, round, and structured. The freshness and acidity typical of Chardonnay merge with the creaminess of the bubbles and a long savory persistence. It is a Champagne with an elegant and balanced profile, immediately inviting a second sip.
Food Pairings for Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Les Valnons' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils
Versatile and refined, this Champagne naturally accompanies many preparations. Perfect as an aperitif, it can also be the star of an entire meal.
- Ideal with raw fish and shellfish, especially oysters and langoustines.
- Excellent with tuna tartare or sea bass carpaccio.
- Pairs well with pasta dishes based on seafood or citrus risottos.
- Worth trying with light white meats or vegetarian dishes with aromatic notes.
Storage and Aging – how to store Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Les Valnons' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils
The Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Les Valnons' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils can be enjoyed immediately or allowed to evolve for several years, developing new aromatic nuances. To store it correctly:
- Temperature: between 10 and 12°C, in a cool and constant place.
- Light: avoid direct exposure to light, which can alter aromas and color.
- Position: the bottle should be kept horizontally, so that the cork remains moist and well-sealed.
By following these precautions, the wine will maintain its elegance and can offer new, surprising sensory emotions over time.
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 Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Les Valnons' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Les Valnons' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils, it is essential to position the bottle correctly. If it has been stored horizontally, place it upright at least 12 hours before serving to allow sediments to settle at the bottom. Handle it gently to avoid disturbing residual yeasts and maintain the freshness of the bubbles.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The perfect temperature to appreciate all the aromatic nuances of this Grand Cru Champagne is between 8°C and 10°C. You can achieve this temperature by leaving the bottle in a bucket with ice and water for about 20-25 minutes. Avoid putting it in the freezer, as too rapid cooling can alter its aromas and compromise the fineness of the perlage.
3. Opening the bottle
To safely open the bottle of Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Les Valnons' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils:
- Remove the top capsule using the tab.
- Loosen the wire cage while keeping your thumb on the cork to prevent sudden release.
- Hold the cork firmly and gently rotate the bottle at about a 45° angle, allowing the internal pressure to slowly push out the cork, producing only a soft sigh and not a “pop.”
This method preserves the structure of the perlage and ensures the wine remains in the best condition for tasting.
4. Inspection and first taste
Pour a small amount of Champagne into the glass to verify that the color and aroma are in line with the expectations of a Grand Cru 2017 by Roger Pouillon et Fils.
- Color: brilliant golden, with luminous reflections.
- Aroma: complex aromas of ripe citrus, brioche, and white flowers.
- Taste: the first sip should confirm freshness, balance, and fineness of the bubbles.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Unlike young Champagnes, a Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 2017 can benefit from slight oxygenation. To encourage aromatic development:
- Pour the contents into a large white wine glass or, if you prefer, into a Champagne carafe with a wide base.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the wine to breathe and more complex notes of dried fruit and toast to develop.
Avoid prolonged decanting to prevent the effervescence and balance characteristic of Les Valnons 2017 from dissipating.
6. Serving
Serve Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Les Valnons' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils in tulip-shaped glasses, ideal for concentrating aromas and appreciating the liveliness of the bubbles. Pour slowly along the inner wall of the glass to preserve the perlage. The ideal pairing is with refined seafood dishes, crustaceans, fish tartare, or soft cheeses with a balanced taste.
7. Storage after opening
If not finished, recork the bottle with an airtight Champagne stopper and store it in the refrigerator. In this way, Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru 'Les Valnons' 2017 - Roger Pouillon et Fils will maintain its qualities for approximately 24-36 hours. After this time, it is advisable to consume it to best appreciate its bouquet and the freshness of its bubbles.