The Blanc de Blancs V.20 cuvée from Champagne AR Lenoble is a refined and delicate expression of Chardonnay. Reflecting the identity of the Grand Cru terroir of the Côte des Blancs, this champagne is distinguished by its complex structure: based on the 2020 harvest, it incorporates an exceptional proportion of 55% reserve wines. Aged for a long time (54 months) and with very little dosage (Extra Brut), it is a wine of purity and precision, enriched by partial aging in wood and in corked magnums.
The production of Blanc de Blancs V.20
This champagne is 100% Chardonnay, sourced exclusively from Grand Cru terroirs in the Côte des Blancs (Chouilly). The blend is designed to offer superior consistency and complexity:
- 2020 harvest base: 45% of the blend.
- Reserve wines: 55% of the blend, a major proportion that adds depth.
Signature Vinification
Maison Lenoble takes particular care in the aging process to guarantee the texture of its wines:
- Diversified aging: The wines are aged in vats, but also 20% in wood (casks) and a small portion (<5%) in magnums under cork, a rare technique used to preserve the freshness of reserve wines.
- Long aging: The average maturation time is 54 months (four and a half years) on lees.
- Dosage: Extra Brut at 2 g/L, for intact mineral tension.
The V.20 edition
The "V.20" designation indicates that the majority of this blend comes from the 2020 harvest. This year serves as the backbone of the wine, bringing notes of citrus and freshness, while the large quantity of reserve wines adds a more mature and spicy aroma to the whole.
Tasting notes for the Lenoble Blanc de Blancs V.20
Color
The color is enlivened by fine bubbles offering a creamy effervescence.
Nose
The nose is dominated by rich yeast notes reminiscent of bread crumbs. Upon opening, it evolves into a great freshness with aromas of citrus and spearmint. With a little patience, fresh hazelnut enriches this youthful bouquet.
Palate
The attack is clean and straightforward. The palate is carried by invigorating flavors of lime and grapefruit. The effervescence is smooth and creamy, providing comfort. The finish is salty and subtly spicy.
Food pairing
- Fresh oysters
- Scallop carpaccio
- White fish tartare
- Fillet of John Dory
- Chicken supreme with cream sauce
- Fish in a salt crust
- Chaource or fresh goat cheese
- Lemon meringue pie
- Champagne sabayon
Storage and serving tips
Aging potential
This wine is designed to be enjoyed for its freshness and emerging complexity:
- 2025–2027: The wine is in its youth, marked by citrus, mint, and breadcrumbs (freshness phase).
- 2028–2030: Fresh hazelnut notes will become more pronounced and the texture will become creamier (maturity phase).
- Beyond 2030: For lovers of aged Blanc de Blancs, with more pronounced spicy and salty notes.
Serving suggestions
Serve this Grand Cru at a temperature of 46°F to 50°F. Its finesse requires an elegant white wine glass to allow the subtle notes of mint and hazelnut to express themselves.
Anecdote about this cuvée
Lenoble is one of the few houses to keep part of its reserve wines in corked magnums (instead of stainless steel vats or capped bottles). This technique, although costly and complex to handle, allows the reserve wines to age with ideal micro-oxygenation, maintaining a vibrant freshness that is reflected in the final blend of the V.20.
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