The Extra Brut V.21 cuvée from Maison Lenoble is an iconic signature blend characterized by "Freshness and Harmony." This champagne is distinguished by its unique structure, where the liveliness of the 2021 harvest meets the depth of an exceptional proportion of reserve wines. Dominated by Meunier, this precise, lightly dosed wine reveals a springtime aromatic structure and a texture of great lightness. It is a champagne for immediate enjoyment and fine dining, reflecting the high standards of a committed House.
The production of Extra Brut V.21 AR Lenoble
The blend gives pride of place to the Meunier grape variety (55%), complemented by 30% Chardonnay for finesse and 15% Pinot Noir for structure. The uniqueness of this V.21 edition lies in its composition: 49% of wines from the 2021 harvest are blended with a majority of 51% reserve wines. This high proportion of reserves is the cornerstone of the house style, guaranteeing the complexity and longevity of the Lenoble taste.
The Terroir
The grapes come from the estate's historic terroirs, spread across the Côte des Blancs (for Chardonnay), as well as the Grande Vallée de la Marne and the Vallée de la Marne (for Pinots). This mosaic of crus allows for a perfect balance between chalky minerality and fruity roundness.
Vinification
Vinification is a delicate process aimed at preserving the expression of the fruit. The reserve wines are aged with particular care: 10% are aged in wood and, as a unique signature of the House, 10% are kept in magnums under cork to preserve their freshness over the long term. The average maturation time in the cellar is 42 months, well above the standard, allowing the wine to refine. The dosage is Extra-Brut, at 3 g/L, for a pure and unadulterated expression.
The 2021 harvest base
The V.21 edition is built around the 2021 harvest. Although this vintage is marked by great potential freshness, the generous contribution of reserve wines plays its role perfectly here. They balance the natural acidity of the 2021 vintage, offering a wine with just the right balance, both taut and enveloping.
Tasting notes
Color
The color reveals a beautiful golden hue, bright and promising. The effervescence is marked by fine bubbles and a delicate mousse.
Nose
The nose opens delicately, without exuberance, with springtime notes of white fruits (pear, apple, fresh grapes) and a hint of acacia blossom. With aeration, more indulgent aromas of brioche and fresh pastries appear.
Palate
On the palate, the wine seduces with its light bubbles and lovely citrus notes, particularly yellow grapefruit. The finish is vibrant and taut, marked by fine lime zest.
Food pairing
- Cheese gougères
- Mackerel rillettes
- Beef carpaccio with capers
- Sea bream ceviche with citrus fruits
- Monkfish tail with white butter sauce
- Veal with tuna sauce (vitello tonnato)
- Parmesan shavings
- Thin plum tart
- Champagne sabayon
Storage and serving tips
How should this champagne be stored?
As this cuvée is delivered in a plain bottle, it is sensitive to light. It must be stored away from light and temperature fluctuations, ideally lying down in a cool cellar. Prolonged aging on lees has given it good stability, but it deserves to be treated with care.
Aging potential
The Extra Brut V.21 is ready to drink now to enjoy its springtime freshness and citrus aromas. Thanks to its structure and high proportion of reserve wines, it can be stored and will develop positively in the cellar for 3 to 5 years, gaining brioche and honey notes.
Serving suggestions
Serve this champagne chilled, between 9 and 10°C, to appreciate its tension and light bubbles. It is the ideal companion for a cocktail party or the start of a refined meal.
Anecdote about this cuvée
Maison Lenoble is one of the few Champagne houses to store part of its reserve wines in magnums sealed with corks. This costly and labor-intensive method limits the oxidation of reserve wines while giving them an inimitable patina, which is reflected in the complexity of this V.21 cuvée.
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