N.P.U.
a unique cuvée
The story of N.P.U. – «Nec Plus Ultra» is one of desire, mystery and time…
A desire to recreate the specific aromas once found in some of the finest Champagnes. Mystery… what kind of alchemy will take place between the birth of this cuvée and the moment it is tasted? Nearly 15 years of life, sometimes abundant, sometimes tenuous, in the coolness of our cellar.
With its long ageing process, N.P.U. offers the Champagne explorer the full flavour of time.
origin
6 grands crus :
oger, mesnil-sur-oger, Chouilly, Verzenay, Mailly-Champagne & Bouzy
the blend
50% Pinot noir
50% chardonnay
fermentation
100%
old oak barrels
ageing
12 years on the lees
18 months minimum post-disgorgement
dosage
extra-brut :
4,5 g/l
availability
75 cl
150 cl
extraordinary vintages
Only the greatest years will give birth to an opus of N.P.U – Nec Plus Ultra.
Eight vintages have been released to date, each with its own character: the powerful and moving 1990, the generous 1995, the whimsical 1996, the great classic 1999, the audacious 2003, the celebrated 2002, the ample 2004 and the sublime 2008. Today, 2009 arrives in all its depth. Each bottle is numbered and bears the date of disgorgement on the back label.
the 2009 vintage
After a crisp and windy winter with alternating spells of rain and snow, the spring and early summer started out rather moodily with thunder and hail storms.
Luckily, the old saying ‘August makes the must’ came true again as the warm weather and dry heat returned, allowing for exceptional maturity, while spring showers preserved the water reserve preventing hydric stress.
The harvest started early with the Oger and Mesnil Chardonnay on 10th September and carried on for 10 days as Mailly Pinot were picked last. The acidity is in line with the last 10 vintage campaigns with a greater maturity.
tasting notes
APPEARANCE
Deep, dense liquid gold with brilliant reflections. Very fine, serene, regular effervescence.
NOSE
Initial aromas of Bigarreau cherry, combined with candied citrus fruit and generous white flower (seringa, jasmine) reminiscent of Mirabelle plum. On opening, the wine evolves towards calisson, nutmeg and freshly cut ginger. Fresh aromas of sandalwood and peppermint bring freshness to the aromatic complexity.
PALATE
Serene attack that takes up space on the palate, around a precise, elegant structure. The wine’s persistent salinity meets the fleshy, juicy feel of the fruits on the palate. The texture is melted, and this profound wine takes its time to unfold in surprising length, carried by a fine freshness. Flavours are faithful to the aromas of the nose, offering a harmonious sensation.
the perfect match
With its depth and salinity, Nec Plus Ultra 2009 is particularly well-suited to land-sea pairings: langoustines “en sous-bois” accompanied by a morel sauce, or Rossini-style scallops.
