Champagne Vincent Cuillier'sClos Forestier 2022 is a Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature produced from a unique plot in Trigny, in the heart of the Massif de Saint-Thierry. The vineyard, sheltered by a forest enclosure, brings together five varieties of Pinot Noir within the same planting.
Production of Champagne Clos Forestier 2022
The Clos Forestier cuvée reflects Vincent Cuillier's technical approach: living soils, continuous observation, and measured interventions. Every decision is aimed at achieving fruit clarity and faithfully reflecting the terroir.
The terroir: an enclosed vineyard within the forest
The plot is located in Trigny, at an altitude of 180 meters, on Thanetian sand. The vineyard, protected by a ten-meter-wide border, forms a stable microclimate. The well-drained soils promote deep rooting and a regular supply of minerals.
The plantation has 9, 000 vines per hectare, selected from massal and clonal selections. Yields are controlled at around 7,000 kg per hectare.
Viticulture at the service of the soil
The forest vineyard functions as a complete ecosystem. Soil cultivation is kept to a minimum. No chemical inputs are used. The plant cover and wooded border limit erosion, nourish microbial life, and strengthen the resilience of the vines.
The plot is an open-air laboratory: weed management trials, yield adjustments, and close monitoring of ripeness. The wood selected from this vineyard is also used as grafts for other plantations, proof of its genetic quality.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand and sorted in the vineyard. The juices ferment using indigenous yeasts. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally when the balance allows it. No sulfur or sugar is added during aging.
The wine is aged for 10 months in 500-liter barrels (3 to 4 wines) on fine lees to gain texture without affecting the profile. After racking, it is aged for 36 months on lees in the bottle. A 6-month waiting period after disgorging ensures harmony. The style is Brut Nature 0 g/L.
2022 vintage
The 2022 cycle offered consistent ripeness and healthy grapes. The Pinot Noir grapes from the vineyard have ripe flesh, supported by fine acidity. Clos Forestier 2022 combines density, precision, and mouthwatering energy, with a straightforward structure and remarkable length.
Tasting
Color
Bright, light gold. Fine, regular bubbles and a persistent cordon, indicating long aging on lees.
Nose
Delicate red fruits (redcurrant, raspberry), orange zest, sweet spices. Notes of dried flowers, chalk, and a hint of smoke linked to the Thanetian sand.
Palate
Clean attack. Silky texture, full-bodied but well-balanced. Flavors of red berries, citrus, stone fruit, and hazelnut. A salty, slender finish with controlled tension.
Food pairing
- Parsley ham, homemade pickles
- Veal carpaccio, hazelnut oil
- Chanterelle and herb tartlets
- Roasted free-range chicken, reduced jus
- Veal loin, root vegetables
- Brown mushroom risotto, Parmesan cheese
- 18-month Comté
- Mature Tomme
- Langres
Storage and serving tips
Storage
Store horizontally in a dark place at 10–12°C. Avoid vibrations and temperature fluctuations. Le Clos Forestier 2022 ages well thanks to its long aging process and dry profile.
Aging potential
More than 4 years without difficulty. The bouquet gains depth: dried fruit, fine spices, toasted notes. The palate becomes rounder, while the salinity remains.
Serving
Serve between 10–14°C in a slender white wine glass. Open a few minutes before serving. Decanting is unnecessary, except when young to broaden the bouquet.
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