Vincent Cuillier

Chemin des Rois 2022 | Bottle 75cl

Champagne Vincent Cuillier'sChampagne Chemin des Rois 2022 is a rare single-vineyard cuvée from a unique terroir located in Chenay, on the Massif de Saint-Thierry. This Brut Nature is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, vinified together. This 2022 vintage highlights the balance between aromatic intensity, tension, and finesse.

Production of Champagne Chemin des Rois 2022

The Chemin des Rois 2022 cuvée embodies the technical and viticultural philosophy of the Vincent Cuillier estate: precise work that respects natural balances, where each intervention is guided by observation of living organisms. Produced from a single plot, this champagne reflects the winemaker's desire to reveal the identity of a place.

The Mont Agé plot

Located in Chenay, the Mont Agé plot extends over Thanetian sandy soils at an altitude of around 180 meters. This well-drained terroir, dominated by calcareous sands, promotes deep rooting and uniform ripening of the grapes. The choice of a plot blend (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the same vine) allows for a unique expression that is both structured and airy. The high planting density (9,000 vines/ha) and the massal and clonal selection method contribute to the wine's aromatic diversity. The yield, controlled at 6,000 kg/ha, guarantees the concentration and precision of the juices.

Regenerative viticulture

The vines at the Vincent Cuillier estate are cultivated according to the principles of regenerative viticulture. This approach aims to revitalize the soil by promoting biodiversity and natural interactions between the vines, fauna, and flora. The soil is treated as a complete ecosystem: it remains covered with vegetation, plowing is limited, and chemical inputs are completely excluded. This method, based on soil resilience and health, makes the vines more resistant to climatic hazards and promotes balanced grapes. The objective is not performance, but sustainability and quality. Each bunch of grapes thus becomes a faithful reflection of the Mont Agé terroir.

Vinification

The 2022 harvest was carried out manually, with rigorous selection of the bunches to guarantee the purity of the fruit. Fermentation took place naturally, using indigenous yeasts, without the addition of sulfur or sugar. Malolactic fermentation occurs spontaneously depending on the balance of the vintage.

The wine is then aged for 10 months in barrels that have held between two and ten wines, on fine lees, to bring complexity and structure without imparting excessive oakiness. After bottling, the cuvée rests on lees for 36 months in the estate's cellars. A minimum of six months is observed after disgorging before it is released onto the market. The Brut Nature dosage (0 g/L) reveals the true character of the terroir and vintage without artifice.

The 2022 vintage

The 2022 vintage was distinguished by a consistent growing cycle and perfectly ripe grapes. The hot, sunny summer, offset by cool nights, produced fruit that was both rich and balanced. The Pinot Noirs were dense and expressive, while the Chardonnays brought freshness and tension. This vintage is characterized by exceptional aromatic purity and precision, which is fully expressed in the Chemin des Rois 2022, combining controlled power and mineral balance.

Tasting notes

• Color

  The color is a bright pale gold with slightly coppery highlights. The effervescence is fine and persistent, a sign of long aging on lees.

• Nose

  The nose reveals a pure and balanced expression: crisp white fruits, dried flowers, ripe citrus fruits and a mineral touch reminiscent of chalk and warm stone. Hints of toast and hazelnut add complexity and elegance.

• Palate

  The palate is both full-bodied and finely crafted. The attack is straightforward, carried by a salty and taut structure. The mid-palate is harmonious, combining fruity flesh, tension, and depth. The persistent finish evokes the minerality of the sandy soil and the energy of the 2022 vintage.

Food pairing suggestions

Starters and aperitifs

• Sea bream carpaccio with lime
• Fine oysters from the Claire
• Gougères with aged Comté cheese

Main courses

• Pikeperch fillet with white butter sauce
• Free-range chicken with morel mushrooms
• Green asparagus risotto

Mature cheeses

• 18-month Comté
• Mature Tomme
• Chaource

Storage and serving tips

Storing this champagne

Le Chemin des Rois 2022 should be stored in a cellar at a stable temperature (68–54°F), away from light and vibrations. Bottles should be stored horizontally to maintain the humidity of the cork and ensure consistent development.

Aging potential

This Brut Nature champagne has an aging potential of 5 to 7 years. Its natural balance between tension and maturity will allow it to develop aromas of dried fruit, honey, and toast over time, while retaining its mineral freshness.

Serving suggestions

Serve between 44°F and 59°F in a slender white wine glass. This temperature preserves the tension of the Chardonnay and the structure of the Pinot Noir. It can be enjoyed now for its precision, or after a few years for its added complexity.