Pouillon 'Grande Vallée' Champagne AOC Extra Brut NV

Since joining with his father in 1998, Fabrice Pouillon has steered the family domaine toward farming and winemaking practices that prioritize sustainability and the health of the vineyards. Biodynamic principles guide his use of compost, organic fertilizers, and cover crops. This ‘Grande Vallée’ cuvée comes from vineyards across the broad valley of the Marne. The blend of hand-harvested pinot noir (65%), pinot meunier (20%), and chardonnay (15%) ferments with indigenous yeasts, half in enamel tank and half in neutral barrique. After eight months of aging, the harvest is mixed with the previous vintage. At bottling, Fabrice takes the unusual step of refermenting using unfermented grape juice, rather than other sugars. This batch of bottles was disgorged in spring 2022. This is a structured and complex Champagne: floral and chalky on the nose, with hints of pear and ripe strawberry, leading to a palate of citrus and buttered toast, followed by a long finish. Organically grown.