What kind of wine is Champagne 'Ullens Cuvée M' 2018 - Domaine de Marzilly

The Champagne 'Ullens Cuvée M' 2018 - Domaine de Marzilly is born in the heart of the Massif de Saint-Thierry, an area north of Reims known for its clay-limestone soils ideal for cultivating Pinot Meunier. This vintage cuvée represents the elegance and precision of the young and ambitious Domaine de Marzilly, which combines respect for tradition with a contemporary style. Like all authentic champagnes, it is produced using the méthode champenoise — or "classic method" — a process that involves a second fermentation in the bottle. It is during this phase that the fine bubbles and complex aromas develop, making this sparkling wine unique.

Vintage Details

The 2018 vintage is remembered as one of the best of the last decade in Champagne. After a humid spring, the summer was warm and stable, favoring a complete maturation of the grapes. The optimal conditions allowed for the harvesting of healthy bunches, with a perfect balance between sugars and acidity. The result is a structured, intense Champagne capable of best expressing the characteristics of Pinot Meunier.

Winemaking and aging

The Champagne 'Ullens Cuvée M' 2018 - Domaine de Marzilly is made exclusively from Pinot Meunier grapes from a single owned parcel. Fermentation occurs spontaneously in barriques, favoring natural processing and greater aromatic complexity. After bottling, the wine rests on its lees for 12 to 36 months, depending on the vintage, developing toasted bread notes and a creamy texture. The dosage is restrained to enhance the purity of the fruit and the authentic character of the terroir.

Tasting Notes

Color

Visually, it presents a luminous straw yellow with golden reflections, traversed by a fine and continuous perlage, a sign of careful secondary fermentation and long aging on the lees.

Nose

On the nose, it reveals an elegant weave of white-fleshed fruits, ripe citrus, and slight nuances of hazelnut and vanilla. With aeration, hints of pastry and warm bread emerge, attesting to the work on the lees and fermentation in wood.

Palate

In the mouth, it is balanced and fresh, with a silky and well-integrated bubble. The typical minerality of the limestone soils combines with a lively acidity that gives momentum and persistence. The finish is long, with notes of Reinette apple and candied lemon zest.

Pairings for Champagne 'Ullens Cuvée M' 2018 - Domaine de Marzilly

The versatility of Pinot Meunier makes it an ideal companion for numerous gastronomic pairings. This vintage Champagne prefers elegant but not excessively structured dishes:

• Fish or shellfish appetizers, such as shrimp tartare or seared scallops
• Delicate pasta dishes, for example seafood risotto or tagliolini with butter and lemon
• Main courses of white meat, such as baked chicken or vitello tonnato
• Lightly aged soft cheeses

Also perfect as a meditation glass, to be enjoyed alone to appreciate every nuance.

Storage and aging: how to store Champagne 'Ullens Cuvée M' 2018 - Domaine de Marzilly

To maintain the qualities of this Champagne, it is important to store it carefully:

• Temperature: stable between 10°C and 12°C, avoiding sudden temperature changes.
• Light: keep the bottle away from direct light sources, especially artificial ones.
• Position: store the bottle horizontally, so that the wine remains in contact with the cork and air entry is avoided.

If well kept, the Champagne 'Ullens Cuvée M' 2018 - Domaine de Marzilly can evolve positively for another 5-7 years, further refining its complex notes and the pleasant harmony of the perlage.