Champagne Pol Roger Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2016 is a Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes grown in the finest terroirs of the Côte des Blancs: Oiry, Chouilly, Cramant, Avize, Oger, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
Production of Champagne Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2016
The Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2016 cuvée is the result of a rigorous selection of grapes sourced exclusively from Grands Crus in the Côte des Blancs. Each cru brings a specific component: the tension and freshnessof Oiry, the richnessof Oger, the straightforwardness of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and the eleganceof Avize.
Fermentation and blending
Alcoholic fermentation takes place at low temperature in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, separately for each cru and each grape variety. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in its entirety, bringing suppleness and balance. After tasting, the wines are blended before bottling.
Production
Secondary fermentation and aging on lees take place in the Pol Roger cellars, located 33 meters underground. This cool, constant environment promotes slow maturation. Each bottle is then riddled manually before disgorging and dosage. After disgorging, the wine rests for at least six months before shipping, ensuring stability and harmony.
2016 vintage profile
The year 2016 was marked by contrasting conditions: a wet spring followed by a hot, dry summer. The healthy, concentrated harvest produced balanced Chardonnays with great integrity and a distinct minerality. This vintage combines tension, freshness, and aromatic maturity with a perfectly integrated acidic backbone.
Style and tasting
The 2016 Blanc de Blancs reveals a crystalline color with silvery highlights and a fine, persistent effervescence. The nose, initially discreet, opens up to reveal chalky minerality and notes of white flowers, yellow cherries, and dried fruit. With aeration, nuancesof citrus, exotic fruits, and cocoa butter appear. On the palate, the attack is straightforward and fresh, with a delicate, almost crisp texture. The whole is carried by a salty structure and a long, persistent finish. This wine combines precision, freshness, and the promise of evolution.
Tasting notes
Color
Bright pale gold with silvery highlights. Fine, regular effervescence, a sign of long aging on lees.
Nose
Clear and precise expression: crisp white fruits, ripe citrus fruits, and white flowers. Chalky texture with hints of toast, almond, and hazelnut.
Palate
Straightforward and taut attack. Silky texture, carried by a chalky minerality. Citrus, pear, subtle buttery notes. Long, salty finish, true to the 2016 vintage.
Food and Champagne pairings
- Fine oysters from the Claire
- Sea bream tartare with lime
- Scallop carpaccio
- Fillet of sole with white butter sauce
- Bresse chicken with cream sauce
- Green asparagus risotto
- Mature Comté
- Brie de Meaux
- Mountain Tomme
Storage and serving
Serving temperature
Serve between 10 and 12°C in a tulip-shaped white wine glass to bring out the Chardonnay's aromatic expression and the finesse of the mousse.
Storage
Store horizontally in a cool, dark place (40–54°F). Thanks to its balanced acidity and extended aging, this cuvée can be kept for 8 to 10 years after disgorging, gradually developing aromas of brioche and dried fruit.
Opinion of thewine guides