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.
The 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 has a light yellow color 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
- Chicken rillettes and toasted bread
- Comté cheese gougères
- Blini with cream and fresh herbs
- Roasted poultry and reduced jus
- Fillet of pollock and celery purée
- Risotto with golden mushrooms
- 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.
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