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Les Grands Blancs (d2022) - NV

Robert Moncuit

4.0 / 5.0

Region
France » Champagne AOC » Côte des Blancs
Type
white traditional sparkling, extra brut
Vintage
NV, based on 2019
Disgorged
2022-12
On lees
30 months
Grapes
Chardonnay
Alcohol
12.5
Sugar
3
Price
2163 UAH
Cellar
not available
Find at
Robert Moncuit Les Grands Blancs (d2022) NV

Ratings

4.0 / 5.0

1500 mL
@Wix Kyiv Office · 2023 wrap-up

This entry-level Champagne is always a welcome choice, offering a straightforward yet satisfying experience. It's not overly complex but is quite friendly and simply delicious. The influence of oak is well-judged, adding layers to the brioche, butter, almonds, and apple notes. With good acidity and a creamy texture, it's quite gastronomical, pairing well with a variety of foods. A reliable and enjoyable Champagne for a good price.

Wine #2 on 2023 wrap-up event.

Robert Moncuit

Robert Moncuit's Champagne House has a rich history, tracing back to 1889 when Alex Moncuit, Robert's grandfather, first planted vineyards in the Champagne region. Robert Moncuit, the third generation, established the first estate-bottled champagne in 1928. Today, the estate is managed by his daughter Françoise and grandson Pierre Amillet, representing the fourth and fifth generations. They continue the family's tradition of producing exquisite Champagnes while embracing sustainable viticulture, free from chemical pesticides. The vineyards, spanning approximately 8 hectares around Le Mesnil-sur-Oger – a Grand Cru village in the Côte des Blancs – are ideal for producing Blanc de Blancs Champagnes from 100% Chardonnay grapes. The meticulous grape selection during hand harvest and the combination of steel tank and oak barrel vinification enhance the uniqueness of each Cuvée.

The Moncuit estate maintains a deep commitment to traditional methods, favoring them over modern technology. Grapes are harvested at peak ripeness, eliminating the need for chaptalization (adding sugar during fermentation). Each plot is pressed and vinified separately, allowing for complex blends. Malolactic fermentation is generally undertaken, except in exceptionally warm vintages. Aging occurs in both steel and oak barrels, with oak being particularly significant for single-vineyard wines. The estate's vineyards include prized plots in Les Vozémieux and Les Chétillons. Les Vozémieux, with vines planted in 1955, is located in the village of Oger and offers a north-facing aspect, contrasting with the south-facing Les Chétillons in Mesnil.