The Reflets du Clocher cuvée from Champagne R. Faivre embodies the spirit of the estate and its attachment to Pinot Meunier, the true emblem of Belval-sous-Châtillon. Made mainly from the 2022 harvest, supplemented by 20% reserve wines (2018, 2019, 2020), this cuvée combines integrity and indulgence. A champagne with character, refined and luminous, symbolizing the Faivre identity.
The production of R. Faivre Reflets du Clocher champagne
This cuvée reflects both the estate's dominant grape variety, Meunier, and the terroir of Belval-sous-Châtillon, as the grapes come exclusively from this terroir. The aim is to reveal the natural generosity of Meunier while preserving its freshness through precise vinification.
- Meunier (100%) brings fleshiness, yellow fruit, and a velvety texture.
The terroir
Located in Belval-sous-Châtillon, in the heart of the Marne Valley, the vineyard is planted on brown, predominantly clayey limestone soils, laid on hard limestone. This composition gives the wines a fine mineral tension and a crisp fruitiness. Viticultural practices favor soil life and vegetative balance: plowing, natural grass cover, manual trellising, and the elimination of herbicides and insecticides.
Vinification
Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled enamel vats. Malolactic fermentation is not carried out in order to preserve the tension and purity of the fruit. Light filtration and cold stabilization precede bottling. The wine then rests for 15 months in the cellar before disgorging, with an Extra Brut dosage of 0.5 g/L.
The year 2022
The year 2022 was sunny but harmonious, marked by beautiful ripeness and concentrated juices. In Belval-sous-Châtillon, the Meunier perfectly retained its fruit freshness and sapid structure. The balance between richness and tension is expressed here in a full-bodied palate, carried by yellow fruits, fine acidity, and a salty finish. A vintage that is both charming and precise, perfectly mastered by the R. Faivre house.
Tasting notes
Color
Light gold with straw-colored highlights. Fine, regular effervescence. Transparency and brilliance heralding a straightforward, energetic wine.
Nose
Aromas of fresh apricot, white peach, and yellow-fleshed fruits. With aeration, notes of almond, vine blossom, and light honey. Full-bodied and delicious.
Palate
Frank and fruity attack. Silky texture balanced by a chalky tension. The fruit dominates, supported by a salty finish and elegant bubbles. An expressive and precise Meunier.
Food pairing
The fruity richness and freshness of this cuvée pair well with simple, flavorful dishes: refined appetizers, roasted poultry, and delicately seasoned fish.
- Fresh goat cheese puff pastry
- Salmon and shrimp verrine
- Mature Comté cheese gougères
- Roasted Bresse chicken
- Sea bream fillet with lemon
- Vegetable risotto
- Poached peaches with honey
- Light apricot tart
- Almond and yellow fruit macarons
Storage and serving
How to store this cuvée
Store Reflets du Clocher in a stable, dark cellar at 10–12°C, with humidity at around 70%. Thanks to its Extra Brut profile and natural tension, it will keep for 5 to 7 years. Over time, the fruit will evolve into aromas of dried fruit and honey, while retaining a beautiful liveliness.
Aging potential
Optimal window: 2024–2032. 2024–2026: expression of fresh fruit and the sparkle of Meunier. 2027–2032: increasing complexity, a rounder texture and subtle toasted notes.
How to serve Reflets du Clocher?
We recommend serving Reflets du Clocher at 42–46°F in slender tulip glasses. Pour in small amounts to preserve the finesse of the mousse. As an aperitif or with a starter, its balance between freshness and fullness seduces with its precision.
