The Fins Lieux n°1 Verzenay Grand Cru 2016 cuvée from Champagne Péhu Simonet is a Blanc de Noirs of rare intensity. This cuvée delivers a pure and refined interpretation of Pinot Noir. The 2016 vintage, precise and concentrated, magnifies the identity of this Grand Cru with its depth and mouthwatering tension.
The production of Champagne Péhu Simonet Fins Lieux No. 1 Verzenay Grand Cru 2016
This single vineyard cuvée is made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Les Perthois vineyard in Verzenay Grand Cru. The aim of this cuvée is to combine the finest Pinot Noir grapes from Verzenay with a vintage, in this case 2016, a sunny and powerful year.
- The Pinot Noir (100%) brings density, aromatic complexity, and saline depth.
The terroir
Located on the steep slopes of Verzenay, classified as a Grand Cru of the Montagne de Reims, the Les Perthois vineyard rests on a subsoil of Campanian chalk covered with fine clay. The northeast exposure promotes slow ripening, preserving the tension and aromatic precision typical of Verzenay. This exceptional terroir gives the wine a mineral signature and great longevity.
Vinification
Vinification takes place in oak barrels from the Verzy forest and in 600-liter demi-muids. Aging on fine lees lasts more than 60 months, enhancing texture and complexity. Dosage is minimal: 1.5 g/L (Extra Brut), for perfect balance.
The 2016 vintage
After a rainy spring and a particularly hot summer, 2016 produced grapes of exceptional ripeness. In Verzenay, the Pinot Noir grapes expressed beautiful density while retaining a structuring acidity. This vintage produces a full-bodied, vertical wine, combining intense fruit, energy, and chalky salinity. In Fins Lieux n°1, this duality translates into a fleshy palate, balanced by a fresh and straightforward tension.
Tasting notes
Color
Deep gold with coppery highlights, fine and regular bubbles. The visual brilliance reflects the richness of Pinot Noir and the nobility of the Verzenay terroir.
Nose
Rich and expressive. Notes of orchard fruits (mirabelle plum, pear), dried fruits andsweet spices. Aeration reveals nuances of candied citrus, wet chalk and toasted hazelnut.
Palate
Full-bodied attack, velvety texture. Restrained power and chalky freshness are perfectly balanced. Yellow and exotic fruits linger in a salty, mineral finish with great persistence.
Serving suggestions
Fins Lieux n°1 2016 is a champagne with character, perfect as an aperitif or with a meal. Its richness and precision pair equally well with seafood and fine poultry.
- Gougères with aged Comté cheese
- Lime-flavored smoked salmon
- Sea bream tartare with lemon caviar
- Pan-fried scallops
- Free-range chicken with morel mushrooms
- Risotto with porcini mushrooms
- Pear and almond tart
- Roasted peaches with honey
- Caramelized apple and hazelnut pieces
Storage and serving
How to store this cuvée
Store Fins Lieux n°1 Verzenay 2016 in a stable cellar at 10–12°C with humidity around 70%. Avoid vibration and direct light. This cuvée, aged for a long time before disgorging, will continue to develop harmony for several years, developing notes of dried fruit and buttered brioche.
Aging potential
Optimal window: 2025–2040. Between 2025 and 2030, the wine expresses all the tension of the limestone and its fresh citrus aromas. From 2031 to 2038, it blossoms with notes of dried fruit, honey, and hazelnut. From 2039 onwards, the texture becomes silkier, with the minerality remaining in the background.
How to serve Fins Lieux n°1 2016?
We recommend serving Fins Lieux n°1 2016 at 10°C in a slender tulip glass. A few minutes of aeration allows the wine to release its aromas of ripe fruit and wet stone. Perfect at the table, it pairs equally well with dishes full of character and delicate, creamy dishes.
