nv Christophe Mignon, Extra Brut Champagne, France.
A brilliant dry and vibrant Champagne of sublime depth and grace with a special expression of varietal purity, in this case 100% Pinot Meunier. Mignon is a tiny grower producer with small plots of Meunier spend between Le Breuil and Festigny in the Le Mesnil-le-Huttier area of Champagne not too far from Epernay, these 30 parcels are all farmed biodynamic and holistic with his vines that were planted by his grandparents. The latest Extra Brut comes from two vintages, 2011 and 2012 and was disgorged on February 7, 2015, it shows it’s lengthy lees aging and has a stylish intensity delivering wonderful vitality, depth and length with a soft, but vigorous mousse. Lemon, white cherry, apple, hints of red fruit and golden fig lead with white flowers, brioche, hazelnut and steely mineral, this is an earthy sensual sparkling wine that keeps your heart pounding and demands your full attention, this is a complex and detailed wine first and foremost, even if you wanted it just to celebrate it does that and much more, use a bigger bowled glass to experience it’s full charm and character, and I highly recommend you enjoy it with every course of your meal, gorgeous alone, but remarkable with cuisine. Meunier bubbly is all the rage, and Christophe Mignon is a great place to jump in, this is a great effort, this and his Rose are lovely, balanced and texture driven wines with finesse and seductive allure, don’t miss them!
($50 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive
