Georges Remy's Les Quatre Terroirs No. 22 is a champagne with remarkable character, crafted from a blend of grapes sourced from four prestigious villages in the Montagne de Reims.
For this vintage, based on the 2022 harvest, the estate offers a vibrant and full-bodied interpretation, true to Georges Remy’s philosophy: rigorous organic viticulture and uncompromising oak aging. This is a "signature" champagne, produced in extremely limited quantities, that combines the power of the Bouzy and Ambonnay terroirs with the limestone brilliance of Louvois and Tauxières.
The creation of Cuvée No. 22
This champagne reflects the meticulous expertise of a winemaker who seeks above all the pure and ripe expression of the grape.
Precision Work in the Barrel
- Blend: 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The 2022 vintage accounts for 90% of the blend, while the reserve, comprising vintages from 2018 to 2021, makes up the remaining 10%.
- Vinification: Fermentation (using indigenous yeasts) and aging are carried out entirely in oak barrels, imparting structure and depth to the wine.
- Malolactic Fermentation: Carried out to provide a more enveloping texture and beautiful suppleness.
- Purity: Environmentally friendly practices (certified Organic) with minimal intervention in the cellar.
- Dosage: Natural (0 g/L), to highlight the wine’s mineral character without masking its fruit.
The Symphony of the Four Terroirs
As its name suggests, this cuvée is made from a selection of plots spread across four iconic villages of the Montagne de Reims. The Pinot Noir draws its power and depth from Bouzy (Grand Cru) and Ambonnay (Grand Cru), while the Chardonnay contributes its tension and finesse from Louvois (Grand Cru) and Tauxières-Mutry (Premier Cru). This terroir rests on chalk and clay soils, giving the wine a vibrant minerality and exemplary saline character.
The 2022 Base Vintage
The 2022 vintage is primarily based on the 2022 harvest, a luminous year that allowed for significant ripeness. This sunny vintage brings a natural concentration of yellow and red fruits, perfectly balanced by precise management of oak aging. The richness of the 2022 vintage gives this cuvée a dense texture, supported by ripe acidity and a very distinct savory structure.
Tasting notes for Les Quatre Terroirs No. 22
Color
The color is an intense gold with slightly amber highlights, reflecting the ripeness of the grapes and the aging in oak. The effervescence is refined and delicate.
Nose
The nose is powerful and expressive. It opens with pastry and toasted aromas (brioche, toasted almond), mingled with notes of stone fruit and ripe red berries. Upon aeration, spicy hints of white pepper and tonka bean emerge.
Palate
On the palate, the attack is clean and dynamic. The texture is generous and vinous, carried by a creamy effervescence. We find the vibrant minerality typical of limestone soils, with a long, salty finish punctuated by noble bitter notes.
Food Pairing Suggestions
- Gougères with aged Comté
- Beechwood-smoked salmon
- Langoustine tartare with citrus fruits
- Chicken breast with morel mushrooms
- Grilled sea bass fillet with olive oil
- Risotto with premium shellfish
- Farmhouse Chaource cheese
- Thin tart with roasted apricots
- Hazelnut financier
Storage and Serving Tips
Aging Potential
This is a champagne made for aging, which will gain tertiary complexity over time:
- 2026–2028: Phase of fruity vibrancy and mineral tension.
- 2029–2034: Development of notes of dried fruit, honey, and roasted flavors (Phase of fullness).
- Beyond: For lovers of mature, wine-like champagnes.
Serving Recommendations
To fully appreciate the structure of this terroir-driven wine, serve it between 9°C and 11°C. A tulip-shaped wine glass or a fairly wide white wine glass is recommended to allow the aromas to unfold.
Georges Remy
As surprising as it may seem, Georges Remy began his career by making red wine from the hillsides of Champagne. His Bouzy Rouges were a resounding success, and those around him encouraged him to venture into champagne production. And so the adventure began!
