Champagne Fusion 22 from Maison Vincent Cuillier is a Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature made from a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Meunier, sourced from plots in the Massif de Saint-Thierry. This 2022 vintage accurately expresses the estate's philosophy: regenerative viticulture that respects living organisms and is guided by the search for natural balance.
The production of Fusion 22 Vincent Cuillier champagne
Fusion 22 is born from the union of three emblematic parcels of the estate: L'Arbre, Chemin des Rois, and Clos Forestier. This multi-parcel Blanc de Noirs embodies Vincent Cuillier's desire to create a champagne that brings together the diversity of his soils and the complementarity of his grape varieties. Each stage of production aims to preserve the vitality of the soil, the integrity of the grapes, and the purity of the finished wine.
The terroir
The vines are rooted in Thanetian sand, located at an altitude of 180 meters on the Massif de Saint-Thierry. These sandy soils, rich in organic matter and well-drained, give the wines an airy texture and great aromatic precision. The high planting density of 9,000 vines per hectare and the massal and clonal training methods ensure a natural concentration of the berries. The average yield of 6,000 kg/ha reflects a demanding viticulture focused on quality rather than quantity.
Regenerative viticulture
Champagne Vincent Cuillier practices regenerative viticulture based on agroecological principles: natural grass cover, permanent plant cover, respect for the biological cycles of the soil, and sustainable management of biodiversity. No chemical inputs are used. This approach promotes soil health, resilience to climate change, and the sustainability of the vines. Each intervention is designed to support the plant rather than constrain it, with a view to achieving overall balance.
Winemaking
The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully selected at harvest time to ensure a healthy and concentrated raw material. Fermentation is initiated by indigenous yeasts, and malolactic fermentation occurs naturally. Vinification combines 60% barrels (from 2 to 10 wines) and 40% stainless steel vats to achieve a balance between structure, purity, and aromatic finesse.
The wine is aged for 10 months on fine lees, without added sulfur, then bottled for 36 months of aging on racks. After disgorging, a minimum period of 6 months is observed before release to ensure optimal integration. The Brut Nature dosage (0 g/L) highlights the most sincere expression of the terroir and the 2022 vintage.
The 2022 vintage
The 2022 vintage was distinguished by particularly stable weather conditions that were favorable for grape ripening. A hot summer, tempered by a few welcome rains, resulted in a healthy and balanced harvest. The Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes from the Massif de Saint-Thierry thus expressed their full potential, offering a wine of remarkable aromatic purity and precision. Fusion 22 reflects this natural harmony between richness and tension, typical of great, masterfully crafted vintages.
Tasting notes
Color
The color is a luminous golden hue with light amber highlights. The fine, regular effervescence is a sign of long aging on lees and beautiful maturity.
Nose
The nose offers great complexity: ripe red fruits, yellow stone fruits, notes of sweet spices and slightly toasted touches. Mineral and chalky nuances balance this aromatic richness.
Palate
The palate is full-bodied and structured, marked by a silky texture and linear tension. The natural liveliness of the Brut Nature reveals flavors of ripe fruit, candied lemon, and toasted hazelnut. The finish, straightforward and salty, highlights the mineral dimension of the sandy Thanetian terroir.
Serving suggestions
- Gougères with 18-month-old Comté cheese
- Veal tartare with hazelnuts
- Creamy mushroom risotto
- Roast free-range chicken with herbs
- Pork tenderloin with chanterelle mushrooms
- Roasted white fish with brown butter
- 18-month Comté
- Mature Tomme
- Brie de Meaux
Storage and serving recommendations
Storing this champagne
Champagne Fusion 22 should be stored in a cool, stable cellar at a temperature of between 10 and 12°C. Bottles should be kept lying down to keep the cork moist and ensure consistent development. Due to its Brut Nature profile and natural balance, it is well suited to aging for several years in the cellar.
Aging potential
Fusion 22 has an aging potential of 5 to 7 years. Its balanced structure and long aging will allow it to develop more complex aromas of dried fruit, honey, and spices while retaining a beautiful freshness.
Serving suggestions
Serve this champagne between 10 and 12°C in slender white wine glasses. Serving it slightly aerated will reveal the richness of its bouquet. This wine is equally suited to precise tasting and gastronomic pairings.
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