Description & elaboration
The Les Confidences de l'Année 2019 cuvée from R.Faivre is a champagne from the Right Bank of the Marne Valley, entirely dedicated to Pinot Meunier. It is a champagne with notes of fresh citrus, ripe pear and buttery brioche, displaying a beautiful aromatic complexity. On the palate, its creamy texture and saline finish make it an ideal companion for dinner with white meats. Crafted by David Faivre from two confidential plots in Belval-sous-Châtillon, this vintage champagne is the result of a strictly limited production.
David Faivre, independent winegrower and Récoltant-Manipulant, crafts this gastronomic wine. The blend unfolds a creamy texture on the palate, underpinned by a saline and persistent finish.
The Terroir
The grapes come exclusively from the village of Belval-sous-Châtillon, on the Right Bank of the Marne Valley. They are sourced from two distinct plots: L'Orée et Le Mont Pinson. These two lieux-dits rest on brown clay-limestone soils typical of this area.
The predominantly clay soil sits atop hard Lutetian limestone. This geological formation encourages the root system to reach deep into the ground, imparting that characteristic minerality to the vine. The south-facing slope enjoys perfect sun exposure, essential for achieving full grape ripeness.
Winemaking
The blend showcases the exclusive expression of Pinot Meunier. The musts ferment in thermoregulated enamel tanks to preserve aromatic freshness. David Faivre systematically triggers malolactic fermentation (the conversion of malic acid into the softer lactic acid) to round out the natural acidity. A cold stabilisation after fermentation then settles the wine before bottling.
Ageing on lees extends for 36 months in the estate's cellars. This extended autolysis (contact of the wine with its own spent yeasts) develops pronounced tertiary aromas of bakery and bread. After disgorgement, David Faivre adds a dosage liqueur at 2 g/L. This Extra-Brut dosage underlines the technical precision of this Blanc de Meuniers.
The 2019 vintage
The 2019 growing season was marked by a hot, dry summer. The Comité Champagne recorded heatwave temperatures at the end of July. In Belval-sous-Châtillon, these conditions kept disease pressure on the foliage to a minimum. The manual harvest began with grapes in an optimal state of health.
The Pinot Meunier, harvested at full ripeness, retained a crisp acidity despite the heat, expressing concentrated stone fruit notes. The complete absence of reserve wines highlights the typicity of this harvest, whose climatic signature this vintage faithfully captures.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
The pale gold colour shows delicate copper highlights in the glass. The fine effervescence forms a steady bead at the surface. The clarity reflects the care taken at every stage of the winemaking process.
Nose
The first nose releases notes of crisp white-fleshed fruits. Aeration reveals aromas of candied citrus and ripe pear. A hint of toasted brioche rounds out this profile with its tertiary accents.
Palate
The attack is lively, direct and focused. The mid-palate unfolds a decidedly creamy texture, with aromas of buttery pastry. The finish lingers on a chalky framework with a touch of salinity.
Food Pairing Suggestions
- Sea bream tartare
- Gougères with aged comté
- Smoked salmon toasts
- Grilled sea bass fillet
- Chicken with morel mushrooms
- Asparagus risotto
- Aged Chaource
- Sheep's milk Tomme
- Apple tarte fine
The Plus de Bulles Expert's Opinion
Why I love it
I was captivated by the indulgent character of this vintage Meunier. Its full-bodied palate reveals aromas of pear and brioche, supported by a chalky tension and a saline finish of impressive length.
My recommendation
Serve it at 8–10 °C in a wine glass to allow its aromas to fully open up. It pairs beautifully with roast poultry or aged Chaource.
Practical Advice
How to store this champagne?
Plus de Bulles ships this bottle (75cl) in reinforced packaging specially designed for transporting champagne. Upon receipt, we recommend storing the bottle horizontally, away from light — ideally in a cellar, or at the very least in a cool, not too dry place with a relatively stable temperature.
Avoid vibrations from household appliances and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Ageing potential
Les Confidences de l'Année 2019 from R.Faivre will evolve positively over time, with a cellaring potential of approximately fifteen years.
- Until 2029: the aromatic profile favours fresh notes of yellow citrus, pear and crisp fruits.
- From 2030: bottle evolution reveals indulgent notes of toasted brioche and buttery pastry.
- Around 2039: full maturity develops complex aromas of honey, gentle spices and candied fruits.
Serving suggestions
Plan for a serving temperature strictly between 10 and 12 °C. A wide-bowled glass encourages oxygenation and aromatic expression. Around ten minutes of natural aeration softens the effervescence of this vintage. A gradual chilling in an ice bucket preserves the integrity of the aromas.
A note about this cuvée
The R.Faivre estate holds Level 3 Haute Valeur Environnementale certification and the Viticulture Durable en Champagne label. David Faivre manages each plot without the use of herbicides, thereby encouraging local biodiversity throughout the vineyard.
This approach gives rise, among other things, to a single-vineyard vintage blanc de blancs champagne. Controlled grassing between the rows naturally limits vine vigour and yields. The base wines from each lieu-dit are vinified separately — an identity-driven approach also reflected in the rosé expression from the Belval terroir.
