The Face Nord Extra Brut Grand Cru cuvée from Pehu Simonet is a tense interpretation of the northern slope of the Montagne de Reims. Made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it embodies the "straightforward, precise and mineral" style cherished by the house. A Grand Cru champagne with terroir character, ideal for aging or serving with food.
The production of Pehu Simonet Face Nord Extra Brut Grand Cru Champagne
The blend is based on Pinot Noir, which gives structure to the cuvée, while Chardonnay brings tension and clarity. The vinification process focuses on purity, with little intervention and very low dosage. The aromatic objective is to reveal the chalky freshness and fruity density of the grands crus from the northern part of the Montagne.
- Pinot Noir (70%) brings structure, amplitude, and ripe fruit.
- Chardonnay (30%) brings freshness, brightness, and mineral purity.
The terroir
The grapes come from the northern slope of the Montagne de Reims, from the Grand Cru village of Verzenay. The northwestern exposure and chalky soils give this cuvée a specific tension and a pronounced mineral profile.
Vinification
Vinification takes place without filtration, using indigenous yeasts. Part of the aging process takes place in old barrels, the other in stainless steel vats, for more than 30 months on lees. The dosage is ultra-light (< 2 g/L) in order to respect the pure expression of the terroir.
Tasting notes
Color
Light gold with straw highlights; fine, discreetly persistent mousse, highlighting the Grand Cru character.
Nose
Expressive, blending ripe yellow fruits (peach, mirabelle plum), notes of white almond, chalk, and subtle toasted bread.
Palate
Lively attack, full-bodied but taut texture, structured fruit, long, salty and mineral finish. A serene complexity.
Food pairing
The mineral tension, ripe fruit, and minimal dosage of this cuvée call for specific but generous dishes. It strikes a balance between finesse and power.
- No. 3 oysters with lime
- Gougères with mature Comté cheese
- Sea bream tartare with fresh herbs
- Roasted sea bass with lemon-ginger sauce
- Free-range chicken roasted in foamy butter
- Risotto with seasonal mushrooms
- Thin caramelized apple tart
- Vanilla panna cotta with apricot coulis
- Seasonal fruits roasted with honey
Storage and serving
How to store this cuvée
Store Face Nord Extra Brut Grand Cru at a stable temperature of 10–12°C in a dark, slightly humid cellar. Thanks to its standard Grand Cru format and extended aging, it will gain in aromatic finesse and complexity for another 5 to 8 years.
Ageing potential
Optimal window: 2025–2033. During these years, the wine will evolve towards notes of dried fruit, fine brioche, and amplified minerality, without losing its original liveliness.
How to serve Face Nord Extra Brut Grand Cru?
We recommend serving this cuvée at 9–10°C in a tulip glass or a white wine glass with a wide opening. Filling the glass one-third full will preserve the finesse of the mousse and allow the terroir aromas to fully develop.
