Pouillon
Champagne Grand Cru Les Valnons Extra Brut 2018
| Denomination | AOC Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.0% by volume |
| Area | Champagne region (France) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Chardonnay |
| Aging | Ageing in oak barrels for 12 months (from new to used) with bâtonnage; maturation in bottle on the lees for 5 years under natural cork; bottling 12 to 18 months after the harvest. |
- Grand Cru Origin: Les Valnons in Aÿ, 2018 harvest, west-facing slope at 160 metres
- Rare grape variety: 100% Chardonnay, an exclusive interpretation in an area known for Pinot Noir
- Extra Brut dry: low dosage, fine bubbles and freshness with pronounced savouriness
- Traditional method: fermentation with indigenous yeasts, 12 months in oak and 5 years ageing on the lees
- Recommended pairings: sushi, shellfish, fried fish and soft cheeses
Description
What kind of wine is it
Les Valnons by Pouillon is a Grand Cru Extra Brut Champagne born from a single vineyard, a pure expression of Chardonnay grapes. Crafted using the Traditional Method, it reveals a dry profile and an energetic sip. On the palate, small, fresh bubbles stand out, combined with a distinct salinity. When tasted at a slightly higher temperature, the Chardonnay unveils floral notes and an enveloping texture. The low Extra Brut dosage enhances a defined structure, making it a precise match for shellfish, sushi, and soft cheeses.
Where does it come from
This wine originates from the Les Valnons locality, in the commune of Aÿ, within the Grand Cru Champagne area. The vineyard rests on a west-facing slope at one hundred and sixty metres altitude, a position that imparts a taut and vibrant character. The roots delve into a limestone-clay soil, enriched by a chalky matrix that gives great finesse on the palate. In an area historically linked to Pinot Noir, this plot offers a rare interpretation of Chardonnay, ensuring a constant sensation of freshness and a clear verticality.
How is it produced
Production follows an artisanal approach, resulting in limited batches for each vintage. Fermentation is initiated by indigenous yeasts, followed by maturation in oak barrels for twelve months, where the Champagne is enriched through the bâtonnage technique. Afterwards, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation according to the Traditional Method and ages for five years on the lees. After disgorgement, the Champagne rests in the cellar for a further six or twelve months, completing its evolution with a low dosage that respects its natural energy.
History and Curiosities
The 2018 vintage of Les Valnons by R. Pouillon is a true rarity: an elegant pure Chardonnay from Aÿ, a Grand Cru terroir historically dominated by Pinot Noir. This artisanal production originates from clay-limestone soils, ferments with indigenous yeasts and matures in oak barrels. After five years of ageing on the lees with a natural cork stopper, this Extra Brut reveals a vibrant perlage and a marked salinity, making it ideal for enhancing shellfish and soft cheeses thanks to its floral and creamy notes.
Tasting notes
Perlage
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
06 - 08 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
- Start up year: 1947
- Bottles produced: 85.000
- Hectares: 7
In 1964, James (Roger and Bernadette's only child) started working with his father while developing his knowledge as a winemaker. He was joined a year later by his wife, Josette, born in Champagne as well.
As Recoltant-Manipultant, the Poullons own their own press and do not work in a coop. The control every step of the process, from the vine to the bottle.
After the death of Roger Poullon in 1993, and his spouse 2 years later, Fabrice (James's yougest son) joins the family business and bring with him his background in viticulture, oenology and marketing. His wife Elodie follow in 2000 to help on the marketing side.
As a young winemaker, James modernized the operation with the use of enamelled vats, hydraulic tractors and gyropaletts. Later, Fabrice introduced sustainable agriculture and started to export Roger Pouillon Champagne to the US, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Belgium, Canada, Australia and UK. Read more
| Name | R. Pouillon Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Les Valnons 2018 |
|---|---|
| Type | White green classic method sparkling wine extra brut |
| Denomination | Champagne AOC |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne region |
| Vendor | Pouillon |
| Story | History and Curiosities The 2018 vintage of Les Valnons by R. Pouillon is a true rarity: an elegant pure Chardonnay from Aÿ, a Grand Cru terroir historically dominated by Pinot Noir. This artisanal production originates from clay-limestone soils, ferments with indigenous yeasts and matures in oak barrels. After five years of ageing on the lees with a natural cork stopper, this Extra Brut reveals a vibrant perlage and a marked salinity, making it ideal for enhancing shellfish and soft cheeses thanks to its floral and creamy notes. |
| Origin | Les Valnons, Aÿ (Champagne, France) |
| Soil composition | Terreno calcareo-argilloso (limo calcareo-argilloso), storicamente associato ai pendii della Champagne. |
| Production technique | Traditional method |
| Wine making | Fermentation with indigenous yeasts; ageing in oak barrels (from new to used, up to around 10 years) with lees stirring (bâtonnage); bottle maturation on the lees for 5 years under natural cork; bottling 12 to 18 months after the harvest. |
| Aging | Ageing in oak barrels for 12 months (from new to used) with bâtonnage; maturation in bottle on the lees for 5 years under natural cork; bottling 12 to 18 months after the harvest. |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |