The 2018 Abyss vintage from Champagne Leclerc Briant is a unique sensory experience, where earth meets air and sea. Composed of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir, it reflects a very precise production process, but above all, aging under water, which gives the wine a unique patina.
The 2018 Vintage
The 2018 vintage in Champagne was marked by exceptional weather conditions, resulting in a bountiful, high-quality harvest. The year began with a mild, rainy winter, allowing the water table to replenish optimally. Spring was warm and sunny, promoting rapid vine growth and uniform flowering. The summer was exceptionally hot with very little rainfall, ensuring ideal ripening conditions for the grapes. The harvest, which began in mid-September, took place under perfect conditions, resulting in a generous, healthy, and balanced crop. Thanks to these conditions, the 2018 vintage produced grapes with beautiful aromatic concentration and well-controlled acidity, guaranteeing wines of great finesse and promising aging potential.
The production of Leclerc Briant's 2018 Abyss champagne
Abyss is one of the most original cuvées in Champagne. Immersed for a year in the seabed off the east coast of the island of Ouessant, the Abyss cuvée is an adventure.
The Leclerc Briant House had the idea of submerging a cuvée specially crafted for this purpose following the discovery in the Baltic Sea of a shipment of champagne that had spent more than 170 years underwater.
In partnership with Amphoris, a company specializing in underwater operations, the House and its cellar master Hervé Jestin created a tailor-made cuvée.
Hervé Jestin chose terroirs renowned for their limestone subsoil for this cuvée in order to forge a link with the seabed of Stiff Bay, at the eastern tip of the island of Ouessant.
He selected Chardonnays from the Bisseuil terroir, Pinot Noirs from Avenay-Val-d'Or and Pinot Meuniers from Vrigny. Each grape variety is represented in equal proportions.
The 2018 Abyss cuvée is the result of a balanced blend of 33.3% Chardonnay, 33.3% Pinot Meunier, and 33.3% Pinot Noir. After meticulous vinification, the bottles are placed in the cellar for secondary fermentation in June 2019. In the summer of 2022, the bottles will be immersed in the sea for 12 months. The stable temperature and movement of the sea currents give this cuvée its unique characteristics. The Abyss cuvée is offered without dosage, thus preserving all its aromatic purity and natural liveliness.
Tasting notes
Appearance
The Abyss 2018 has a bright, satiny color, pale yellow with bright straw yellow highlights. A vibrant color that reflects its freshness and energy.
Nose
On the nose, this cuvée reveals aromas of juicy yellow apple. With aeration, marine accents of sea spray, mint, and lemon bring a characteristic freshness.
Palate
On the palate, the attack is velvety and the texture is pulpy and delicate. A lemony acidity shines through, supporting a finish marked by strong marine notes.
Serving suggestions
- Oysters with lemon and Timut pepper
- Bluefin tuna sashimi
- Grilled shrimp with herbs
- Pan-fried sea bass fillet with lemon butter
- Langoustine ravioli
- Squid ink risotto
- Lemon and basil sorbet
- Citrus tart
- Vanilla macaroons
The price of a bottle of Abyss 2018 Leclerc Briant
The price of a bottle of Abyss 2018 Leclerc Briant is 133,95 £GB. This price reflects the complexity of the aging process at sea and the exceptional quality of the selected grapes.
Reviews of the Abyss 2018 Leclerc Briant
Champagne lovers appreciate the minerality and purity of this cuvée. The marine nuances and fruity freshness particularly appeal to connoisseurs looking for unusual cuvées. Discover more reviews here: Reviews of the Abyss 2018 Leclerc Briant.
Storing this champagne
To preserve all the qualities of the Abyss 2018 Leclerc Briant, it is recommended to store it at a temperature between 42°F and 54°F, lying down and away from light. This champagne has an aging potential of 5 to 10 years.
The Leclerc Briant style
The Leclerc Briant style is characterized by a bold and visionary approach to champagne, combining respect for the terroirs and innovative techniques such as immersion in the sea. Each cuvée reflects a philosophy focused on the purest expression of the grapes and the exploration of new avenues.
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