Simon Rion's 2019 Blanc de Blancs is a rare champagne, produced from a micro-plot facing southwest on the heights of Courmas. Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes and vinified in stainless steel vats, this extra brut cuvée seduces with its precision, freshness, and chalky tension. Only 500 bottles of this Blanc de Blancs are produced.
The production of Simon Rion's 2019 Blanc de Blancs champagne
Blanc de Blancs 2019 is a single-varietal cuvée made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes grown in the Courmas terroir. Simon Rion, the fourth generation at the helm of the family estate, cultivates his vines using sustainable methods, with an emphasis on working the soil and preserving life. The result is a straightforward wine with great aromatic purity.
The terroir
The plot is located on the slopes of Courmas, in the Petite Montagne de Reims, on south-west facing clay-limestone soil. This bright, well-drained terroir gives the Chardonnays structure, salinity and great aromatic clarity.
Winemaking
Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to preserve the aromatic precision of the grape variety. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in its entirety. The wine undergoes no fining, filtration or tartaric treatment. It is aged on lees for 48 months. Disgorging took place in November 2023, with an extra brut dosage of 2.8 g/L. Production is limited to 500 bottles.
Tasting notes
Color
The 2019 Blanc de Blancs has a pale yellow color with silvery highlights and a fine, persistent effervescence.
Nose
The nose is subtle and delicate, with notes of fresh citrus, apple pie and lemon zest. With aeration, chalky and floral notes emerge.
Palate
On the palate, the attack is lively and dynamic. The texture is taut, precise and salty. Aromas of orange zest and grapefruit are found , with a clean, fresh and persistent finish.
Serving suggestions
- Fine Claire oysters
- Citrus and cream cheese tartlets
- Smoked salmon and dill blinis
- Scallop carpaccio with citrus fruits
- Steamed sea bream fillet with parsnip purée
- White asparagus and Champagne sabayon
- Light lemon meringue tart
- Poached pear with lime
- Verbena granita
Store this champagne
The 2019 Blanc de Blancs cuvée should be stored horizontally, away from light, in a cool place with no temperature fluctuations. The absence of a case and the white glass bottle mean that it should be protected from UV rays.
Aging potential
This champagne can be kept until 2032. It will gain complexity, developing buttery, pastry and honeyed notes while retaining its crisp freshness.
When to drink
Blanc de Blancs 2019 is a cuvée of elegance and purity, ideal as a refined aperitif, with a meal of fine fish, or for tasting Chardonnays from winemakers.
