Perpétuel N°23, Coteaux Champenois blanc J-M Sélèque | Champagne

JM Sélèque 's Coteaux Champenois Blanc Perpétuel Assemblage N°23 inaugurates a unique project based on perpetual blending for still wines. This Blanc Perpétuel brings together three complementary origins from the southern slopes of Épernay, in the heart of Champagne : parcels from Dizy 1er Cru, those fromÉpernay on the renowned Frileux parcel, and the Faucherets parcel, on a Vertus 1er Cru terroir. The majority Chardonnay is blended with Petit Meslier to form a blend of 85% and 15%. This Assemblage N°23 is the first release of this perpetual system, initiated in 2022 and nourished by the 2022 and 2023 harvests. Jean Marc Sélèque winemakes each harvest separately before integrating it into the Solera. Natural fermentation and ageing take place in oak barrels and Wineglobes, for a total of almost two years. The exclusive bottling of this cuvée, limited to 960 bottles, makes it a rare gems within the Coteaux Champenois appellation.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : With this Coteaux Champenois Blanc Perpetuel, Jean Marc Sélèque inaugurates a new interpretation of his favourite terroir. The perpetual reserve aims to magnify the Premier Cru terroirs of the blend, where regularity takes precedence over vintage effects to better reveal the finesse of the grape varieties. The result is a precise, well-structured cuvée that can be kept for a good ten years.

The nose is discreet at first, but gains in intensity and complexity after aeration. It reveals a chiselled aromatic palette of white flowers, combined with notes of citrus and crisp white fruit, in a fresh, still youthful expression.

On the palate, lively, well-integrated acidity enlivens the fleshy, taut body. Flavors of yellow fruit and citrus are crossed by a chalky minerality that is very clear from the mid-palate, bringing remarkable verticality and precision. The tapering, salivating finish is the hallmark of a terroir wine with promising ageing potential.