Grongnet Carpe Diem Extra Brut Champagne

France / Champagne / Etoges

Non-vintage Champagne from Étoges in Côte des Blancs: Grongnet Carpe Diem Extra Brut.

Seize the Day: Rather an apt title for this very special cuvée from Grongnet.

It is a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir, and 20% Pinot Meunier, with all fruit sourced from their vineyards in the village of Étoges. This wine is barrel fermented and matured in large oak foudres (much like Krug, Selosse and Jacquesson). This maturation gives an added depth and complexity and the wines do not go through malolactic fermentation.

The base wine is predominately 2007. Possessing multi-layered, complex spicy flavours, it is rich and full on the palate but beautifully balanced by a spine of refreshing acidity. Very classy.

The cork is tied with sail twine, which was an original Champagne method. The method was abandoned in the 1930s when mice chewed through the twine, causing the corks to pop and many bottles to be lost.

Ratings:
Le Guide Hachette des Vins: 1 star "Vin très réussi".