Verzenay 2020 Grand Cru Champagne Marguet | Champagne

Champagne Marguet 's Verzenay Grand Cru perfectly embodies the taut elegance of a Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru. Produced exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes, this wine reflects the ferruginous chalk soils typical of Verezenay, often with northern exposure, in the heart of the Montagne de Reims. This cuvée is the result of Benoît Marguet 's organic viticulture methods, which include horse-drawn tillage, biodynamic practices and hand harvesting, all without the use of inputs. The wine estate uses parcel-by-parcel winemaking in oak barrels, with complete malolactic fermentation, followed by ageing in wood for nine months and a prolonged four-year rest on the lees before disgorgement. In keeping with the spirit of the wine estate, no sugar or sulfur is added to this Grand Cru Brut Nature.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Champagne Marguet 's Verzenay Grand Cru is distinguished by its purity, liveliness and pronounced minerality. This Grand Cru Brut Nature offers an uncompromisingly sapid and direct profile, and asserts its place in the landscape of Benoît Marguet's signature terroir cuvées. With its promising ageing potential, it will improve with age, while retaining remarkable tension

On the nose, this cuvée has a fascinating complexity of hazelnut, fresh yeast and a juicy touch of stone fruit. Vibrant, zesty citrus notes give way with aeration to smoky nuances subtly marked by a hint of blond tobacco. In the background, a delicate fragrance of red fruits and an earthy touch reminiscent of mushrooms complete this impressive aromatic palette.

On the palate, the attack is pure and exceptionally precise, marked by vibrant, well-structured acidity. The suave, enveloping texture links up with the finesse of the effervescence, from which emerge ripe fruit flavors and a chalky salinity characteristic of the Verzenay terroir. The finish prolongs an aroma marked by the minerality and energy of the terroir, while a noble bitterness stimulates salivation.