Partition 2019 Extra-Brut, Champagne J-M Sélèque | Champagne

JM Sélèque 's Champagne Partition 2019 7 Parcelles Extra-Brut is much more than just a vintage cuvée. This exceptional cuvée is based on a rare selection of parcels from the wine estate's finest 1er Crus terroirs. The seven lieux-dits (La Justice in Vertus, Moque-Bouteille in Dizy, Les Frileux in Épernay, Les Basses Ronces in Mardeuil, Les Tartières and Les Porgeons in Pierry, Les Gouttes d'Or and Les Gayères on the same finage) are vinified separately, each in its own barrel, according to the founding principle of this cuvée: seven parcels, seven barrels, seven distinct expressions making up a single blend, a single score. The vines, whose average age exceeds 45 years, are rooted in clay-limestone soils punctuated with flinty limestone, resting on the chalk typical of Champagne, which the wine estate makes a point of cultivating organically and biodynamically. The grapes are systematically harvested by hand, and each plot is fermented with indigenous yeasts to preserve the authentic expression of the grape varieties. The final blend for the 2019 vintage is 72% Chardonnay, 14% Pinot Meunier and 14% Pinot Noir. Full winemaking in oak barrels precedes 5 years' ageing under cork flower stoppers. Dosed as Extra Brut with just 1 g/L, this Champagne from JM Sélèque is a veritable masterpiece of goldsmithery.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : JM Sélèque 's Champagne Partition Extra Brut 7 Parcelles is the highlight of the wine estate's range. The talented Jean Marc Sélèque has conceived this cuvée as a veritable musical composition, with each parcel playing an essential note to create a layered and harmonious melody. This is the very essence of Champagne de vigneron at its peak drinking.

On the nose, the intense, evolving character is immediately seductive. It opens with notes of candied citrus, roasted orchard fruit and hints of creamy honey. Prolonged ageing results in complex notes of toast, marzipan and spices, while preserving the floral and slightly herbaceous expression of the grape varieties.

On the palate, the vibrant acidity of the limestone terroir energizes the ripe, chiselled material. As fine as it is racy, the effervescence reveals aromas of pear in syrup, roasted hazelnuts, candied lemon, lime blossom and acacia honey. The harmony of the whole persists on the finish, full of saline relief, where the minerality gives this high-class wine exemplary length.