The Rétrospective 80-15 cuvée from Goutorbe-Bouillot is a veritable time machine. Limited to just 974 bottles, this work of art blends 35 years of harvests, from 1980 to 2015. The fruit of three generations of winemakers in Damery, this champagne is composed of 70% Pinot Meunier and comes from a unique Perpetual Reserve (Solera). Without malolactic fermentation and unfiltered, it is a full-bodied, complex and fleshy wine, where the wisdom of old wines educates the ardor of younger years.
The creation of the Rétrospective 80-15
This champagne is rooted in the Damery terroir (Marne Valley). Its blend gives pride of place to the region's king grape variety: 70% Pinot Meunier, complemented by 15% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir.
A Unique Method: The Perpetual Reserve
The production process is based on a solera system that began in 1980:
- 100% Reserve Wines: No single base vintage, it is a continuous blend from 1980 to 2015.
- Technical Purism: To maintain vitality over such a wide age range, the estate has chosen not to carry out malolactic fermentation (Sans Malo).
- Natural: The wine underwent neither fining nor filtration before bottling in March 2017.
- Dosage: Extra-Brut at 2 g/L, for a pure and tender texture.
The 80-15 concept
This is not a vintage, but a historical fresco. This cuvée tells the story of the estate over 35 years. The principle is that of education: year after year, the old wine "educates" the younger one. The recent vintages (up to 2015) bring structure and freshness, while the older ones (dating back to 1980) offer patina, tertiary aromas, and depth.
Tasting of the Goutorbe-Bouillot 80-15 Retrospective
Color
The dense, shimmering color reflects the richness of Pinot Meunier and the long history of the wines that make up the blend.
Nose
The nose is very open and evolving. It initially offers aromas of plum and stone fruit, against a backdrop of nuts (hazelnut, fresh walnut). With aeration, it shifts to a complex register of spices and herbal teas (lime blossom).
Palate
The attack is supple, dominated by a sensation of roundness. This is a full-bodied wine, caressed by a mellow effervescence. The texture is full and tender, with restrained acidity. The harmonious finish fades away on a note of refreshing bitterness.
Food pairing suggestions
- Rabbit terrine with hazelnuts
- Herb-cooked ham
- Veal pâté en croûte
- Poached chicken with cream
- Low-temperature veal fillet
- Roast pork with herbs
- Vieux Comté
- Beaufort d'Alpage
- Aged Swiss Gruyère
Storage and serving tips
Aging potential
This cuvée is essentially already aged (wines from 1980 to 2015). Thanks to the absence of malolactic fermentation, it retains a vital energy that allows it to age for another 5 to 8 years in the cellar, accentuating its notes of nuts and herbal tea.
Serving advice
Serve this gourmet wine between 10°C and 12°C. A fairly curved flute is recommended to allow the wine to breathe and reveal the aromatic layers accumulated over three decades.
Anecdote about this cuvée
"Three generations of winemakers." That's what this bottle represents. When you taste the Rétrospective 80-15, you taste the work of grandfather, father, and son combined in a single glass. It is a cuvée that defies the notion of vintage to offer a timeless vision of the Damery terroir.
