Nicolas Maillart's Les Francs de Pied 2008 is a rare and unique cuvée in more ways than one. Rare in that it is one of only two cuvées in Champagne, along with Les Vieilles Vignes Françaises by Bollinger, made from vines planted using the "francs de pied" method, i.e. without the American rootstock that has been de rigueur throughout Champagne since the phylloxera epidemic ravaged French vineyards in the early 20th century.
The parcel from which this champagne is made is located at the entrance to the village of Ecueil, with very fine soil and little clay, where the Pinots Noirs express their finesse and fruitiness.
Vinified in oak barrels, this totally atypical cuvée is the expression of champagne as it was made at the beginning of the last century. It is a monument of concentration, finesse, expressiveness and elegance.
The Francs de Pied cuvée offers lightly woody notes, aromas of stone fruit, vine peach and a touch of salt.
A magnificent cuvée in a great vintage with immense ageing potential!
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