Les Terres Froides Extra Brut 2020 Champagne R. Pouillon et Fils | Champagne

The Terres Froides 2020cuvée from wine estate R. Pouillon & Fils is a highly precise Champagne de vigneron, crafted by Fabrice Pouillon at Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. This Blanc de Blancs expresses the contemporary vision of the wine estate, which favors an artisanal approach and a viticulture that respects the living environment to convey all the energy of the grape. The 2020 vintage, characterized by beautiful ripeness and remarkable balance, has created a champagne that is both vinous and taut, benefiting from meticulous winemaking, often in wood, to bring relief and complexity to the natural structure of the Chardonnay grape.

Philippe Mischler sommelier at Mundovin: The Terres Froides terroir is located on the northern slope of the Tauxières-Mutry commune, an area aptly named for its cooler exposure and outcropping chalk soils. This particular geographical situation enables the berries to ripen slowly and progressively, preserving vibrant acidity and exceptional minerality. The specificity of this cool climate, combined with the chalky richness of the subsoil, gives the wine a singular identity, marked by a verticality and saline purity that contrast with the usual power of Marne Valley wines.

On the nose: the Champagne reveals a bright, focused aroma, opening with notes of apple blossom, fresh citrus fruits such as lime, and ginger. A clear chalky dimension quickly emerges, accompanied by delicate nuances of fresh hazelnut and lightly toasted brioche brought about by precise barrel ageing.

On the palate: the attack is sharp and crystalline, carried by a fine effervescence that underlines a dense, energetic body. The mid-palate reveals a striking mineral tension where the acidity of the fresh terroir Chardonnay stretches out elegantly, offering flavors of crisp pear and citrus zest. The finish is long, straightforward and very persistent, leaving a saline, chalky trace that confirms the noble, gastronomic character of this cuvée.