APPEARANCE
Deep, shiny gold. Sustained effervescence.
Restrained nose and on the palate very much a champagne of our times without obvious fruit or even much obvious autolysis. Very tense and introvert.
But it builds towards quite a subtle, persistent finish. Very neatly put together. Citrus finish and much tighter than some Pinot-dominated champagnes – perhaps because of their emphasis on chalky terroirs.
Jancis Robinson – 2024
This 2015 vintage has created a powerful and structured wine, whose density has a movement, a real “momentum”.
Assemblage 2015 is made exclusively from the first pressing, the purest, of six Grands and Premiers Crus, 25% of which were vinified in old oak barrels.
It benefits from seven years ageing on the lees and a further 18 months of rest after disgorgement minimum. Dosage: Extra Brut (4.5g/l).
THE BLEND
58% Pinot Noir
42% CHARDONNAY
25% Vinified in old oak barrels
ageing
7 years on the lees
18 MOnths MINIMUM post-disgorgement
AVAILABILITY
75 cl
150 cl
the 2015 vintage
The vintage, we must always remember, starts in the previous autumn and 2014 was characterised by mildness and humidity. The rain continued throughout the winter months which turned out to be cool, but not excessively so.
The rain lasted into spring and seemed to be preparing for what followed: more than 10 weeks of near drought from the end of May to the beginning of August. It was in these ideal conditions that full flowering took place; on 11th June for the Chardonnays and 12th June for the Pinot Noirs. After months of sunshine, a period of rain followed during veraison in the second half of August.
Fortunately, the return of cool, dry weather at the beginning of September meant that these rains were beneficial, activating the maturity which had slowed down during the drought. Ripening happened – twice as fast as usual – leading to a harvest with good conditions. It began on 2nd September, ending on 18th September for the Champagne appellation.
« momentum » by gérard titus-carmel
This sunny vintage has produced a wine combining density and power, held together by an energetic structure. Gérard Titus-Carmel was commissioned to illustrate the label on the theme of “Elan”.
A painter, draughtsman and engraver, his work is quickly organized into suites and series, which, taken together, form a long narrative of loss, leading to the edge of emptiness and absence. Her most recent series focus on landscape space, superimpositions and the organization of light and shadow. The artist then embarks on a decade of surface saturation, where colors become engorged on their own.
Gérard Titus-Carmel has taken part in over 500 group exhibitions, both in France and abroad, and nearly 400 solo shows. He officially represented France at numerous international events, including the Venice Biennale (1972 and 1984), the Guggenheim Museum in New York, and the Osaka World’s Fair (1970).)
tasting notes
Initially, fresh aromas of wild strawberries which evolve towards blackcurrant. Blood orange and pink grapefruit then gradually emerge. Once it has been allowed to breathe, powerful notes of wild plums, liquorice, Sichuan pepper follow… an intense and concentrated sensation.
PALATE
A lively attack, both fruity and saline. Flavours of candied orange peel accompanied by ripe black fruits, are carried by a powerful structure. The finish is long, evolving towards cocoa powder and dried fruits.
the perfect match
With its abundant aromas of fruit and fresh spices, it will work particularly well with slightly spicy, slow-cooked dishes, such as shoulder of lamb confit with honey and sweet spices, or even red mullet fillet with a saffron cream.
