Vincent Cuillier

L’Arbre 2022 | Bottle 75cl

Description

Champagne L'Arbre 2022 from Maison Vincent Cuillier illustrates a unique approach to winegrowing, where vines and trees coexist within the same ecosystem. Produced from the "Les Voyets" plot located in Pouillon, in the heart of the Massif de Saint-Thierry, this Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature is made from Meunier grapes grown according to the principles of agroforestry. Vinified without oenological inputs, aged for a long time on lees and disgorged after 36 months, L'Arbre 2022 expresses the purity of a living terroir and the precision of environmentally friendly work.

Production of Champagne L'Arbre 2022

The L'Arbre 2022 cuvée is part of Vincent Cuillier's overall approach, which focuses on regenerative viticulture. Every element of the production cycle is designed to preserve biodiversity and enhance soil vitality. This champagne reflects the union between technical rigor and observation of living organisms.

The terroir and the "Les Voyets" plot

The Meunier grapes used in the L'Arbre cuvée come from the Les Voyets plot in Pouillon. The soil, composed of Thanetian sand, lies at an altitude of 180 meters. It offers excellent drainage and promotes deep rooting, ensuring a balanced mineral supply. Planting density reaches 9,000 vines per hectare, using mass and clonal selection to preserve plant diversity. Yields are controlled at 6,000 kg/ha, ensuring natural juice concentration and optimal berry quality.

Agroforestry and tree-vine symbiosis

The "Les Voyets" plot is the symbol of Vincent Cuillier's environmental project. It combines vines with rows of trees planted between the vines, according to a functional cohabitation scheme. This tree-vine symbiosis has a direct effect on the soil structure, promotes water retention, and stimulates microbial life. The roots of the trees and vines interact, exchanging nutrients and moisture, while the foliage regulates the temperature and protects the vines from water stress.

From an agronomic perspective, thisagroforestry approach helps stabilize the soil, enrich its organic matter, and maintain biodiversity. No chemicals are used, and soil cultivation is kept to a minimum in order to respect the natural balance. This living system promotes the resilience of the vines in the face of climatic hazards and is fully in line with a sustainable viticulture approach.

Vinification

The 2022 vintage was harvested manually, respecting the integrity of the fruit. The grapes are carefully pressed before spontaneous fermentation, carried out using only indigenous yeasts. No exogenous yeasts are added. Malolactic fermentation takes place naturally when conditions allow, in order to preserve the tension and purity of the wine.

The wine is then aged for 10 months in five-wine barrels, on fine lees, without added sulfur or sugar. This long aging process helps to refine the texture and reveal the aromatic complexity of the Meunier. After bottling, L'Arbre 2022 rested on lees for 36 months in the estate's cellars, before disgorging followed by a minimum of 6 months of patience. The Brut Nature dosage (0 g/L) highlights the integrity and minerality of the terroir without any artificial additions.

The 2022 vintage

The year 2022 was marked by a hot and sunny summer, balanced by some beneficial rains at the key moment of ripening. The conditions allowed for a healthy and concentrated harvest, with grapes that were both rich and fresh. This vintage offered a clear expression of Meunier, combining maturity and liveliness. L'Arbre 2022 perfectly reflects this balance, combining power, purity, and length.

Tasting notes

• Color

  The color is a bright pale gold with golden highlights. The effervescence is fine, regular, and persistent, reflecting long aging on lees.

• Nose

  The nose reveals beautiful complexity: ripe yellow fruit, pear, hazelnut, and white flowers. Mineral and slightly smoky nuances reflect the influence of the sandy terroir and barrel aging.

• Palate

  The palate is straightforward and precise. The lively attack reveals a tension balanced by a creamy texture. The mid-palate develops notes of dried fruit and wet chalk. The long, mouthwatering finish highlights the purity and minerality typical of the Massif de Saint-Thierry.

Serving suggestions

Starters and appetizers

• Fine oysters from the claire
• Sea bass tartare with citrus fruits
• Jerusalem artichoke soup with truffle shavings

Main courses

• Roasted Bresse chicken
• Pikeperch fillet with brown butter
• Wild mushroom risotto

Cheeses

• Mature Comté
• Slightly creamy Tomme
• Brie de Meaux

Storage and serving tips

Storage

Champagne L’Arbre 2022 is best stored in a temperate cellar, between 46 and 54 °F, away from light and vibrations. Bottles should be stored horizontally to maintain the humidity of the cork and ensure harmonious development.

Aging potential

Thanks to its natural vinification and long aging, L'Arbre 2022 has an aging potential of 5 to 7 years. It will gain depth and develop aromas of dried fruit, honey, and brioche while retaining a beautiful tension.

Serving

Serve between 44°F and 55°F in slender white wine glasses. A little aeration can be beneficial to reveal the wine's full aromatic complexity. This champagne expresses itself fully after a few minutes in the glass.