The 2018 Clos Le Village cuvée from Maison Alfred Gratien is a rare gem that embodies the excellence of Meunier. Produced from a single walled plot (a Clos) located in Cumières, this vintage champagne reveals exceptional maturity after six years of aging in the cellar. It is a wine of texture, both full-bodied and caressing, combining the richness of brioche with the minty freshness typical of the 2018 vintage. A great gastronomic champagne, tailor-made for silky dishes and precious moments.
The production of Clos Le Village 2018
This cuvée is 100% Meunier, a bold choice for a vintage, which allows the full roundness and fruitiness of this grape variety to be expressed when worked with rigor. The "Clos" character implies a specific microclimate, promoting optimal ripeness of the grapes.
Aging
Patience is the key to this cuvée. The wine has benefited from six years of aging on lees in the House's cellars. This long period has allowed the effervescence to be refined and complex tertiary aromas (tobacco, spices) to develop. The dosage is brut, precisely measured at 6 g/L, to coat the palate without weighing down the light finish.
The 2018 vintage
2018 was a sunny and generous year in Champagne. In this cuvée, the vintage expresses itself through beautifully ripe fruit and rich texture. However, the signature of the year is found above all in the finish, marked by a refreshing mentholated bitterness that balances the opulence of the Meunier.
Tasting notes
Color
The color is luminous, adorned with beautiful golden highlights suggesting purity. A sparkling and calm effervescence crowns the glass.
Nose
The nose is evolving and complex. Initially discreet with hints of almond, brioche, and Reine-Claude plum, it opens up as it warms to reveal warm notes of praline and blond tobacco. With patience, hints of oriental spices and chestnut emerge.
Palate
The attack is lively and dynamic, quickly giving way to a feeling of roundness. The texture is silky: the effervescence blends into the substance, offering a caressing touch. Flavors of pastries and exotic fruits are present.
Finish
The finish is light, delicate, and subtly salty, marked by a refreshing hint of menthol.
Serving suggestions
- Sole meunière
- Turbot with hollandaise sauce
- Brill with white butter sauce
- Bresse chicken with cream
- Veal sweetbreads casserole
- Traditional veal blanquette
- Cheese gougères (Appetizer)
- 24-month aged Comté
- Summer Beaufort
Storage and serving recommendations
Aging potential
After six years in the cellar, this Clos Le Village 2018 has reached a beautiful maturity for tasting. However, its structure and substance allow it to age for a few more years (3 to 5 years) to accentuate its notes of spice and tobacco.
Serving recommendations
Serve this champagne at a temperature of 10°C to appreciate its silky texture. A well-shaped flute (or white wine glass) is recommended to allow the wine to breathe and release its praline and spice aromas as it warms.
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