Description & elaboration
The L'Intemporelle 2018 cuvée from Mailly Grand Cru is a vintage champagne born on the slopes of the Montagne de Reims. It is a champagne with notes of ripe white fruits — fresh citrus — and a subtle chalky minerality. On the palate, its silky texture makes it a natural companion for a dinner centred around shellfish. This cuvée is a confidential release of approximately 15,000 numbered bottles, presented in a bespoke case that makes it an exceptional gift.
The Terroir
The vineyard extends exclusively over the village of Mailly-Champagne, a commune classified entirely as Grand Cru. The slopes in this area face north, which slows the vegetative cycle of the vines and encourages a slow, steady ripening. The soils rest on Upper Cretaceous limestone formations, with outcropping chalk that naturally regulates water supply to the vine roots during summer.
The Champagne terroir defines the chalky identity of this cru. The estate has held the Haute Valeur Environnementale certification for several years, complemented by the Viticulture Durable en Champagne label. Controlled cover cropping between the rows limits erosion on the chalky slopes.
Vinification
The blend brings together 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, with no Meunier. The Pinot Noir provides a structured backbone, close to the profile of a Blanc de Pinots Noirs. The Chardonnay brings tension to the finish through its natural acidity. The grapes are hand-harvested in open crates; only the first-press musts are retained.
Alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, preserving the aromatic precursors of the fruit. Cellar master Sébastien Jurczek then oversees malolactic fermentation, which rounds out the texture without sacrificing vibrancy. The absence of reserve wines isolates the pure expression of the year; the wine then ages on laths in the estate's underground cellars.
The 2018 vintage
In Champagne, the 2018 growing season opened with a rainy winter that fully replenished soil water reserves. A dry and sunny summer then took over. In Mailly-Champagne, the Pinot Noir reached full phenolic ripeness by late August, concentrating intense red fruit aromas.
The chalky subsoil preserved measured acidity in the Chardonnay, even through the summer heat. Harvest began in an optimal health condition. The final balance rests on this tension between the richness of the fruit and the natural freshness of the terroir.
Tasting notes
Appearance
The pale golden colour catches the ambient light. Subtle copper highlights animate the rim of the glass. A fine effervescence feeds a persistent bead on the surface.
Nose
On the nose, the wine opens with elegant floral notes. Aeration releases aromas of ripe orchard fruits. Hints of vineyard peach meet delicate citrus zest — a bouquet that speaks to patient lees ageing.
Palate
The attack is lively and direct. The silky texture coats the entire palate. A creamy effervescence carries aromas of lightly toasted brioche. The finish lingers with a distinctly saline signature.
Food pairing suggestions
- Gougères with aged comté
- Smoked salmon toasts
- Oysters with yuzu lemon
- Pan-seared scallops
- Line-caught sea bass in a crust
- Turbot cooked on one side
- Fully ripened Chaource
- Truffle risotto
- Thin pear tart
The Plus de Bulles expert's opinion
Why I love it
I was won over by the springlike brilliance of this cuvée. I love the combination of juicy white fruits and citrus zest, carried by a silky texture and a creamy effervescence that delivers wonderful vitality on the finish.
My recommendation
Serve at 8–10 °C in a wine glass alongside pan-roasted scallops or a sea bass in a salt crust.
Tips & advice
How to store this champagne?
Plus de Bulles ships this bottle (75cl) in reinforced packaging specially designed for champagne transport. Upon receipt, we recommend storing the bottle on its side, away from light — the original case provides additional protection for this clear glass bottle. Ideally in a cellar, or at the very least in a cool, not too dry place with a relatively stable temperature.
Ageing potential
The L'Intemporelle 2018 from Mailly Grand Cru will evolve favourably over fifteen years, offering a cellaring window of approximately 10 to 15 years.
- Until 2028: the wine unfolds aromas of ripe white fruits. A citrus tension marks the finish persistently.
- From 2029: further ageing brings tertiary notes. Aromas of toasted bread and sweet almond begin to emerge.
- Around 2033: the wine will develop hints of stewed fruits. A delicate note of beeswax will complete the flavour profile.
Serving suggestions
Plan for a serving temperature between 10 and 12°C. A wide tulip glass concentrates the bouquet where a narrow flute would stifle it. Allow the wine to breathe for three to four minutes in the glass: this brief settling time dissipates any potential reduction notes.
A note about this cuvée
This cuvée was first created with the 1990 harvest. The choice of clear glass showcases the golden colour but demands complete darkness during ageing. This conceptual approach differs from the house's signature Brut Réserve style, which blends multiple plots for a consistent result. The bold approach echoes the research carried out on the single-plot expression Poétique de la Terre, illustrating the technical dynamism of this cooperative.
