Le Canon des Le Gall is a signature champagne, produced in limited quantities (1,500 bottles). Born from a desire to create a "wine for friends" that has become a great gastronomic wine, this cuvée is 100% Meunier from the Courmas terroir. Made from the 2019 harvest, it breaks with convention through vinification in demi-muids and a quest for extreme maturity. It is a "unitary and distinctive" wine, classified as Extra Brut, which combines the richness of the fruit with an energetic texture.
The production of Canon des Le Gall
This champagne is made exclusively from four plots of old vines (30 to 45 years old) located in the Courmas terroir. This cru is cherished by the estate for its ability to retain energy even at high levels of maturity.
Vinification in Wood
The approach is that of a still wine:
- Micro-oxygenation: Vinification takes place in large wooden containers (400, 500, and 600-liter demi-muids). The aim is not to impart woody notes to the wine, but to allow it to breathe and open up.
- Maturity: The grapes are picked at high maturity, a calculated risk (sometimes described as "wild" at the time) to obtain depth and color.
- Aging: Approximately 3 years on slats, with disgorging carried out nearly a year before release to allow the wine to recover.
- Dosage: Extra Brut at 1 g/L, validated by rigorous tasting.
The year 2019
Although not stated on the main label, this cuvée is from the 2019 harvest. A sunny year that suits Courmas' Meunier perfectly, giving it concentration and deep color while preserving the natural freshness of the terroir.
Tasting notes
Color
The color is deep, displaying a dense hue that reflects the beautiful ripeness of the grapes and the gentle extraction during vinification.
Nose
The nose is very open, distinctive, and aromatic. It reveals noble notes of evolution and a characteristic touch of licorice. It is a nose that "speaks" immediately, without timidity.
Palate
On the palate, there is a great interplay of textures. The attack is not heavy despite the maturity; the wine retains great energy. The texture is balanced, with autolysis adding complexity. The finish is fresh, persistent, and easy to drink.
Food pairing suggestions
- Homemade pâté en croûte
- Sautéed wild mushrooms
- Pig's trotter cromesquis
- Roast pork with prunes
- Yellow poultry with morel mushrooms
- Grilled veal chop
- 18-month-old fruity Comté
- Farmhouse Saint-Nectaire
- Rustic pear tart
Storage and serving tips
Aging potential
Already matured by its aging in wood and a year of rest after disgorging, this wine is ready to drink but can evolve favorably:
- 2024–2027: The wine is at its ideal balance between ripe fruit, licorice, and freshness (enjoyment phase).
- 2028–2030: It will gain in spicy complexity and notes of undergrowth.
Serving suggestions
Serve this characterful champagne at around 10°C to 12°C. It behaves like a great white wine: a large glass is recommended, and don't hesitate to let it breathe a little so that it can express itself fully.
Anecdote about this cuvée
The name "Le Canon" comes from the affectionate nickname the winemakers gave this barrel among themselves: "Come on, let's drink a canon!" It was the wine they made for themselves, for their own personal enjoyment. To validate the very low dosage (1 g/L), the winemaker organized a blind tasting with Jean-Hervé and Laurent Chiquet (from the famous Jacquesson house), who confirmed this bold choice of an almost natural wine.
