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€109,44
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Vintage:
2013
Denomination:
Champagne
Origin:
France, Champagne
Alcohol:
12%
Format:
0.75 L
Product origin:
Business
Serving temperature:
10°
When to drink:
Aperitif, Dinner, Business dinner, Meditation
Type:
Champagne
Taste:
Dry, mineral, and vibrant with a long-lasting finish.
Flavorings:
citrus, yeast, hazelnut, chalk
Allergens:
Sulphites
Longevity:
15 years old
What kind of wine is Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2013 - Benoît Lahaye
The Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2013 - Benoît Lahaye is an authentic expression of the Bouzy region, in the heart of the Montagne de Reims, an area famous for its Pinot Noir Grand Crus. Benoît Lahaye, an independent winemaker and pioneer of organic viticulture in Champagne, signs a vintage that reflects balance, precision, and respect for nature.
Produced using the Champenoise method – or traditional method – this Champagne results from a second fermentation in the bottle, followed by a long aging on the lees, which gives the wine its fine and lasting bubbles, a symbol of elegance and complexity.
Vintage Details
The 2013 vintage in Champagne was characterized by a cold winter and a late spring, which slowed down flowering. However, the dry and bright summer climate favored a homogeneous ripening of the grapes, yielding wines with a taut and lively profile. Grapes harvested at the end of September offered a perfect combination of acidity and aromatic ripeness, making the 2013 vintage a wine of great balance and evolutionary potential.
Vinification and Aging
Vinification faithfully follows the traditional method, with spontaneous fermentation and partial aging in wood to preserve aromatic complexity. The Champagne rests on its lees for about 6 years, developing notes of toasted bread and dried fruit. The Extra-Brut dosage, less than 6 g/l of sugar, enhances the purity of the Bouzy terroir and the natural freshness of the wine.
Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, it presents a luminous golden yellow, with straw-colored reflections and a very fine and continuous perlage, a sign of long aging on the lees.
Nose
The bouquet is rich and refined: it opens with hints of candied citrus, quince, and white flowers, then evolves towards notes of hazelnut, honey, and a touch of bread crust. Each breath reveals new aromatic details, offering a deep and inviting nose.
Palate
On the palate, tension and precision stand out. The attack is fresh and mineral, with creamy and persistent bubbles. The structure, dominated by Pinot Noir, gives body and lightness at the same time. The finish is long, saline, with pleasant fruity and floral hints that leave the mouth clean and satisfied.
Food Pairings for Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2013 - Benoît Lahaye
Thanks to its balance between freshness and structure, this Champagne is extremely versatile at the table. Perfect as a classy aperitif, it performs best with elegant dishes and refined flavors:
- Tuna or salmon tartare with citrus
- Seared scallops or grilled shellfish
- Seafood risottos or saffron risotto
- Roasted poultry and delicate white meats
- Aged hard cheeses, such as Comté or Parmigiano Reggiano
An ideal wine also to accompany gourmet dishes or to celebrate special moments.
Storage and Aging: How to Store Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2013 - Benoît Lahaye
To preserve the qualities of this Champagne, it is important to store it correctly. Follow these simple tips:
- Temperature: constant between 10°C and 12°C.
- Light: avoid direct exposure to light and UV rays, which can alter the taste.
- Position: bottle laid on its side, so that the cork remains moist and maintains its elasticity.
Stored under these conditions, the Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2013 - Benoît Lahaye can evolve for several years, gaining complexity and aromatic depth for those who love to discover the fascinating evolution of time in the glass.
Benoît Lahaye
The story of Benoît Lahaye winery The Benoît Lahaye winery, located in the heart of France's Champagne region, is an example of how tradition and innovation can coexist in harmony. This prestigious winery has deep roots intertwined with family heritage, passed down from generation to generation. ...
How to Best Open and Serve Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2013 - Benoît Lahaye
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2013 - Benoît Lahaye, ensure the bottle has been kept horizontally in a cool, dark place. Approximately 24 hours before serving, position it vertically to allow any natural sediment to settle at the bottom. This step is crucial for maintaining the wine's clarity and elegance.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
Temperature plays a key role in enhancing the qualities of a vintage Champagne. The recommendation is to bring Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2013 - Benoît Lahaye to a temperature between 9°C and 10°C. Slight chilling helps highlight the mineral and citrus notes, preserving the fineness of the bubbles.
- Avoid the freezer: chill the bottle in an ice bucket with ice and water for about 20 minutes.
- Do not serve too cold: an excessively low temperature would dull its aromas.
3. Opening the Bottle
To open the Champagne correctly:
- Carefully remove the foil and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork.
- Tilt the bottle to about 45° and slowly twist the base, holding the cork still.
- Allow the cork to open with a soft sigh, not a loud pop: this prevents the dispersion of aromas and pressure.
This method ensures an elegant and controlled tasting experience.
4. Inspection and First Taste
After opening, pour a small amount of wine into a tulip glass and observe the foam and color, which should display golden reflections and fine bubbles. Taste to verify freshness and integrity. If the wine has retained its ripe fruit and yeast notes, it is ready to be served.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Although unusual for Champagne, decanting may be recommended for an aged vintage like this one. Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2013 - Benoît Lahaye benefits from a slight passage into a wide decanter to promote oxygenation and allow the complex aromas of patisserie and dried fruit to develop.
- Use a specific Champagne decanter or a narrow-necked carafe.
- Allow to oxygenate for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Avoid excessive agitation to not lose the fine effervescence.
6. Serving
Serve Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2013 - Benoît Lahaye in large, preferably tulip-shaped glasses, which allow its aromas and gustatory complexity to be best appreciated. Pour slowly to preserve the foam and delicate bubbles. Pair the service with elegant dishes such as:
- Raw seafood or oysters
- Aged but not overly intense cheeses
- White meats or truffle-based dishes
7. Storage After Opening
If not consumed completely, reseal the bottle with a specific Champagne stopper and place it in the refrigerator. It will maintain its characteristics for 24-36 hours. After this time, the perlage will begin to diminish, but the wine will still be pleasant if used to accompany aperitifs or light dishes.
By following these tips, you can fully enjoy the extraordinary complexity and sophistication of Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2013 - Benoît Lahaye at every stage of the tasting.
