The 2021 Gastronome cuvée from Pierre Gimonnet Champagne is a true ode to the freshness and elegance of Chardonnay. Produced exclusively from the prestigious Côte des Blancs, it is distinguished by its delicate effervescence and mineral tension of rare purity. Originally designed to accompany fine dining, it is equally enjoyable as an aperitif or during a meal. Its lively, straightforward, and silky style makes it an ideal champagne for lovers of finesse.
The production of Pierre Gimonnet's Gastronome 2021 champagne
Gastronome 2021 is made from a single grape variety: 100% Chardonnay. It is this exclusive choice that gives it its crystalline character, freshness, and great aromatic precision. The cuvée comes from carefully selected plots in the Côte des Blancs, a terroir renowned for producing the greatest blanc de blancs champagnes.
Origin of the grapes
The Gastronome 2021 cuvée is made from:
- 53% Cramant Grand Cru – with iconic lieux-dits such as Buissons, Bateau, Bauves, Bionnes and Prévôt, which bring great minerality and an ethereal elegance.
- 21% Chouilly Grand Cru – terroirs of Mont Aigu and Ronds Buissons, giving richness and fullness.
- 5% Oger Grand Cru – offering power and structure, reinforcing the backbone of the wine.
- 15% Cuis Premier Cru – Croix-Blanche and Roualles plots, contributing liveliness and tension.
- 6% Vertus 1er Cru – Justices and Faucherets terroirs, bringing a delicate, fruity touch.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand to preserve their integrity. Pressing is carried out in stages to select the best juices. After cold settling, alcoholic fermentation is carried out at a controlled temperature to preserve the aromas. Malolactic fermentation is carried out, bringing roundness and complexity. The wine is aged for eight months in vats, with cold stabilization and clay filtration to ensure the purity of the wine.
The bottling took place in April 2022 and the bottles rested on lees in the cellar for over three years, developing a beautiful aromatic complexity. The dosage is 4.5 g/L, making it an Extra-Brut balanced between freshness and richness. Each bottle is disgorged about three months before shipment to ensure optimal tasting.
Annual production is limited to 19,938 bottles, reinforcing the exclusive nature of this cuvée.
The 2021 vintage
The year 2021 in Champagne was marked by difficult weather conditions, with a cool, rainy spring followed by an irregular summer. This limited yields but produced concentrated grapes with marked acidity and beautiful freshness. Although the vintage is considered delicate, it reveals finely crafted wines with a taut, straightforward profile. In the exceptional terroirs of the Côte des Blancs, Chardonnay expressed itself brilliantly, producing champagnes with vibrant energy and honorable aging potential.
Tasting notes
Color
The color of the Gastronome 2021 cuvée is a luminous pale gold with silvery highlights. The effervescence is fine and regular, typical of the "petite mousse" method used by Pierre Gimonnet.
Nose
The nose reveals a dazzling freshness dominated by notes of citrus and white flowers. Then subtle aromas of dried fruit, chalk and light brioche appear. The whole is elegant and precise, faithful to the style of the great blancs de blancs.
Palate
On the palate, this champagne is lively and chiseled. The attack is fresh, followed by a silky texture and a beautiful creaminess. The aromas of citrus and white fruits combine with a chalky minerality and a persistent, salty and airy finish. A balanced wine, designed for the table.
Serving suggestions
- Sea bream tartare with lime
- Comté cheese gougères
- Fine oysters from the salt marshes
- Scallops pan-fried in brown butter
- Bresse chicken with cream
- Fillet of sole meunière
- Lemon meringue pie
- Panna cotta with exotic fruits
- Almond and citrus shortbread
Storage and serving tips
Storing this champagne
To preserve all its qualities, the Gastronome 2021 cuvée should be stored horizontally in a cool, dark cellar, ideally at 10-12°C, with humidity close to 70%. Avoid temperature variations and vibrations that could alter the finesse of its mousse.
Aging potential
Although the 2021 vintage is considered delicate, the structure and natural acidity of Chardonnay give it an estimated aging potential of 5 to 8 years. The champagne will then develop more evolved aromas of honey, dried fruit, and brioche.
Serving suggestions
Serve this champagne at a temperature of 46 to 50°F in tulip glasses to bring out its aromatic bouquet. Decanting is not necessary. Its natural elegance is expressed as soon as it is opened.
Anecdote about this cuvée
The Gastronome cuvée was created in 1947 by Pierre Gimonnet. At the time, he wanted to develop a champagne that could accompany an entire meal, not just an aperitif. To achieve this, he developed the "petite mousse" technique, which gives this wine a fine, silky effervescence. Even today, this distinctive feature makes Gastronome a unique cuvée in Champagne.
