Champagne La Grande Côte 2021 Domaine Léon | Champagne

Cuvée La Grande Côte from the Léon champagne house is a remarkable expression of Chardonnay. This Blanc de Blancs from a single lieu-dit in Landreville on the Côte des Bar reflects Clément Robert's commitment to authentic, unadorned champagnes. This cuvée is aged in oak barrels, a choice that adds aromatic complexity and harmonious structure. After 17 months' aging on lath, this Blanc de Blancs acquires exceptional texture and finesse.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : The La Grande Côte parcel benefits from a south-southwest exposure that favors optimal ripeness, combined with a silty-clay-limestone soil that gives this cuvée a rich, mineral profile. Natural grassing on every other row also contributes to biodiversity in the vineyard, bringing complexity and depth to the wines. Clément Robert favors natural winemaking with indigenous yeasts, with no dosage added at disgorgement, allowing the purity of the terroir to express itself fully.

On the nose, the cuvée reveals subtle aromas of white flowers, ripe pear and fresh citrus fruits, especially lemon. Notes of fresh hazelnut, almond and brioche, inherited from barrel ageing, add a gourmet, slightly buttery dimension.

On the palate, La Grande Côte has a lively, precise attack. The texture is both creamy and taut, thanks to fine acidity balanced by flavors of green apple, pear and grapefruit zest. The saline minerality, signature of Côte des Bar soils, stretches through the finish, leaving a lingering finish marked by hints of sweet spice and vibrant freshness.