Simon Rion

Originel | Bottle 75cl

Description

Simon Rion's Originel cuvée is a champagne deeply rooted in the Courmas terroir. Made from the three Champagne grape varieties, it embodies the identity of a climate and a winemaker. Vinified in stainless steel and concrete vats, with a measured dosage, this blended cuvée is a straightforward, pure, and generous expression of Simon Rion's work.

The production of Simon Rion's Originel champagne

Originel is a blended cuvée built around the three historic grape varieties of Champagne, all grown on the slopes of Courmas, in the Petite Montagne de Reims. Simon Rion has been working his vines without herbicides since 2017, with an approach that respects living organisms. He emphasizes working the soil to bring out the clay-limestone character of his plots.

The cuvée is made from 50% Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. A subtle balance between structure, fruitiness and freshness.

The terroir

Located in the Petite Montagne de Reims, the village of Courmas offers a clay-limestone terroir that is particularly suited to the three Champagne grape varieties. The Meuniers are expressive, the Pinot Noirs are fleshy, and the Chardonnays are taut. This diversity gives the Originel cuvée a complete structure, with substance, tension, and a beautiful underlying salinity.

Vinification

The wine is vinified in stainless steel and concrete vats, which preserves the fruit's crispness while adding roundness. Malolactic fermentation is carried out to soften the acidity. The blend is composed of 60% wines from the 2020 harvest and 40% from a perpetual reserve. The dosage is Extra Brut, just enough to emphasize the balance without masking the structure. Annual production is 6,000 bottles.

Tasting notes

• Appearance

  The Originel cuvée is light yellow with golden highlights. The effervescence is fine and regular.

• Nose

  The nose is open and generous, carried by notes of ripe pear, warm brioche, and fresh hazelnut. A chalky and slightly floral touch completes the bouquet.

• Palate

  The palate is full-bodied and well-structured. The attack is delicious, followed by a straightforward, salty texture. The sugar-acid balance is perfectly controlled. The finish is fresh, persistent and slightly chalky.

Serving suggestions

Appetizer bites

• Chicken rillettes and toasted bread
• Comté cheese gougères
• Blini with cream and fresh herbs

Main dishes

• Roasted poultry and reduced jus
• Fillet of pollock and celery purée
• Risotto with golden mushrooms

Desserts

• Thin apple tart
• Hazelnut financier
• Poached pears with vanilla

Store this champagne

The Originel cuvée should be stored horizontally, away from light, in a cool place (42-54°F). Avoid temperature fluctuations and vibrations.

Aging potential

This champagne can be kept until 2028. It will develop more pastry-like aromas while retaining its freshness on the palate and chalky tension.

When to drink

Originel is a champagne for any occasion, perfect as an aperitif, with a bistro meal, or for sharing with simple, flavorful cuisine.