Simon Rion's Blanc 2 Noirs 2020 is a confidential micro-cuvée, with only 500 bottles produced worldwide. This signature champagne, made in the heart of the Petite Montagne de Reims, is a distinctive interpretation of the two black grape varieties of Champagne. Partially vinified in wood and unfiltered, this Extra-Brut vintage stands out for its remarkable density and assertive structure. It is a wine of character, combining the power of the Courmas terroir with a vibrant freshness, intended for lovers of rare and precise winemaker champagnes.
The production of Blanc 2 Noirs 2020 Simon Rion
The blend of this vintage is dominated by 80% Pinot Noir, a grape variety that brings structure, depth, and vertical tension. It is complemented by 20% Pinot Meunier, selected for its ability to offer fruit, suppleness, and immediate freshness on the attack. This proportion creates a complex balance between the winey structure and the fruity richness typical of the great Blancs de Noirs of this region.
The Terroir
The grapes come exclusively from the terroir of Courmas, a village nestled in the Petite Montagne de Reims. The vines are rooted on south-west facing slopes, a sunny orientation that promotes regular and complete ripening of the berries. The soils are clay-limestone, a key geological duality: the clay gives the wine power and body, while the limestone base ensures drainage and marks the finish with a lingering saline texture. Simon Rion has been cultivating these plots without herbicides since 2017, favoring mechanical soil cultivation to respect the living environment.
Vinification
The approach in the cellar is meticulous and minimally interventionist. The juices are vinified in a variety of containers: stainless steel vats, concrete vats, and 20% oak barrels. Although minor, this contribution of wood is crucial in bringing complexity and micro-oxygenation that smooths the wine without making it woody. Malolactic fermentation is carried out partially, thus preserving the right level of acidity. Noteworthy for the texture: the wine undergoes neither fining nor filtration, retaining all of its substance. Aging on lees lasts 36 months, followed by recent disgorging in November 2024 with an Extra-Brut dosage to highlight the purity of the fruit.
The 2020 vintage
2020 is a sunny and early vintage in Champagne, marked by the excellent health of the grapes. On the Courmas terroir, this hot year allowed the Pinots to reach remarkable density and phenolic maturity. The 2020 Blanc 2 Noirs cuvée captures this sunny richness while retaining the mineral tension characteristic of limestone soils, offering a wine that is both concentrated and easy to drink.
Tasting notes
Color
The color is a deep gold, enlivened by the slightly amber highlights characteristic of Blancs de Noirs. The effervescence is fine and regular.
Nose
The nose is expressive and complex. It opens with aromas of red fruits and stone fruits (mirabelle plums), enriched by spicy nuances and a touch of pastry brought by partial aging in wood.
Palate
On the palate, the wine asserts its density and volume. The texture is textured, almost tactile thanks to the absence of filtration. The structure of Pinot Noir is very present, balanced by the suppleness of Meunier. The finish is long, fresh and marked by a beautiful saline structure.
Serving suggestions
- Pâté en croûte
- Comté cheese gougères
- Cured ham
- Roasted yellow poultry
- Pork tenderloin
- Veal sweetbreads with mushrooms
- 24-month Comté
- Sheep's milk Tomme
- Pear tart
Storage and serving recommendations
How should this champagne be stored?
As this cuvée is delivered in a plain bottle, it is particularly vulnerable to light (light taste). It is essential to store it immediately in total darkness, lying down, in a cool cellar (68-54°F) and away from vibrations. Unfiltered, this lively wine requires stability to continue its evolution in the bottle.
Ageing potential
Blanc 2 Noirs 2020 has the structure necessary for excellent aging. Its optimal drinking window extends over a decade:
- 2025–2027: The wine expresses the freshness of the fruit, the tension of the vintage, and the liveliness of the Pinots.
- 2028–2031: It gains complexity, the texture mellows, and notes of sweet spices and dried fruit appear.
- From 2032 onwards: The cuvée reaches its full maturity, revealing tertiary aromas of undergrowth and roasted notes.
Serving suggestions
Serve this characterful champagne at a temperature of 10°C. Avoid chilling it too much, as excessive cold will harden its structure. A large white wine glass is recommended to allow the wine to breathe and express the richness of its partial aging in wood.
Anecdote about this cuvée
With only 500 bottles produced, this cuvée is one of the most exclusive in Champagne. The name "Blanc 2 Noirs" is a technical play on words: it is not just a "Blanc de Noirs" (white wine made from black grapes), but literally a white wine made from two black grape varieties (Pinot Noir and Meunier), highlighting the importance of blending in Simon Rion's vision.
