JM Sélèque 's Champagne Quintette Chardonnay 5 Terroirs Extra-Brut is a feat of blending, deriving its name from the harmonious marriage of five distinct expressions of Chardonnay, mainly from Premier Cru vineyards. draws its luminous identity from five emblematic parcels of the estate, spread between the 1er Cru terroirs of Vertus, Pierry and Dizy, and the estate's historic terroirs in Épernay and Mardeuil. On these limestone-laden clay soils, the Chardonnay expresses a singular saline tension that it draws directly from the chalk parent rock. Old vines planted mainly in the 1950s form the backbone of this 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs, shaped around a precise blend. Around 80% of the 2021 harvest is enriched by a 20% proportion of wine from a perpetual reserve started in 2012, kept in foudres and renewed each year. This technique, based on the Solera principle, gives the cuvée exceptional depth, complexity and patina, ensuring consistency of style over the years. Jean Marc Sélèque winemakes each terroir separately in oak barrels, to preserve the character of each parcel. After three years' ageing on laths, this Extra Brut Champagne with a dosage of 2 g/L expresses the purity and harmony of the great Blanc de Blancs de terroir.
Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : JM Sélèque 's Champagne Quintette Chardonnay - 5 Terroirs Extra-Brut is a benchmark for lovers of winemakers' Champagnes in search of purity, minerality and complexity. This is undoubtedly Jean Marc Sélèque's most refined interpretation of Chardonnay . The meticulous parcel-by-parcel approach of Quintette Chardonnay Extra Brut reveals five complementary interpretations of the grape variety, brought together in a luminous expression where the natural ripeness of the grape meets the precision of the chalk. A great Champagne from JM Sélèque!
The complex, elegant nose opens with a refined bouquet of white flowers (acacia, hawthorn), bright citrus (lime, frosted grapefruit) and white fruit (pear, green apple). Perfectly integrated ageing in wood brings subtle notes of sweet spices, fresh ginger and light toasty touches, all wrapped in an iodized, chalky minerality.
The nose unfolds with great finesse, blending aromas of white flowers, ripe white fruit and candied citrus zest. A subtle touch of toast adds an evolved patina and links with the delicate spicy nuances of ageing. An iodized minerality runs through the whole and marks this bouquet with an appetizing freshness.
The palate combines restrained power and perfectly controlled tension, with a redoubtfully chiseled acid framework. The wine comes to life and stretches under the effect of a racy effervescence, whose perfectly-adjusted salinity brings out the flavors of fresh citrus, candied ginger and white flowers. The finish has a slightly chalky texture that stretches out the spicy flavors.