The Réserve de Simon Rion is a highly mature blended champagne, produced using a traditional family solera method. Made from three Champagne grape varieties and vinified in stainless steel vats, it benefits from extended aging on lees for over eight years. This exclusive cuvée embodies the history of the estate through its balanced, highly aromatic and gastronomic expression.
The production of Simon Rion's Réserve champagne
Réserve is an iconic cuvée from the estate, continuing a family tradition that spans several generations. Each year, part of the Originel cuvée blend is returned to the perpetual reserve vat, according to a principle similar to solera. The wine is then aged for over eight years in the cellar before being disgorged.
The cuvée is made from:
- 50% Pinot Meunier: brings fruit, roundness and freshness.
- 30% Pinot Noir: structure, spice, and vinosity.
- 20% Chardonnay: tension, finesse and length.
The terroir
The grapes come exclusively from Courmas, a village in the Petite Montagne de Reims. The vines are south-west facing on clay-limestone soil, worked mechanically with respect for the environment. This terroir gives the wines beautiful maturity, while retaining natural freshness and a structuring saline texture.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to preserve the purity of the fruit. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in its entirety to bring roundness. The blend is based on 60% of the 2012 harvest and 40% of perpetual reserves. The wine is then aged for at least eight years on lees, before a measured dosage of 6 g/L. Production is limited to 2,000 bottles.
Tasting notes
Appearance
The Réserve cuvée has a deep golden yellow color, enlivened by a fine, fleeting effervescence.
Nose
The nose is rich and complex, dominated by tertiary notes of candied fruit, roasting, undergrowth and humus. The overall impression is deep, almost mysterious.
Palate
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and well-defined. The bubbles are delicate, almost melted. The structure is fresh and balanced, carried by noble bitter notes that prolong the finish. A gastronomic champagne with mature, structured flavors.
Serving suggestions
- Feuilletés au foie gras
- Parmesan shortbread with mushroom cream
- Truffle gougères
- Chicken supreme with morel mushrooms
- Duck confit
- Roast veal Orloff
- Tarte Tatin
- Tonka bean crème brûlée
- Roasted hazelnut financier
Store this champagne
The Réserve cuvée should be stored horizontally, away from light, between 10 and 12°C, in a stable environment free from vibrations.
Aging potential
This champagne can be kept until 2029. It will develop even more tertiary aromas, with a smooth texture and assertive elegance.
For what occasions?
Réserve is a cuvée for gastronomy and sharing, ideal for accompanying an autumn meal or an exceptional dinner. Its maturity makes it an ideal companion for rich and flavorful dishes.
