Pierre Gimonnet - 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs Cuis NV
Price: $77.99
Sale Price: $61.99
| Producer | Pierre Gimonnet |
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| Country | France |
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| Region | Champagne |
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| Varietal | Chardonnay |
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| Sku | 18916 |
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| Size | 750ml |
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100% Chardonnay. The most elegant of all the Champagne styles. And over 2/3 of the blend (cepage) is from the fantastic 2012 vintage. That's one of the most savvy aspects in buying smaller estate Champagne. The larger negociant houses deliberately aim for a consistent "house" style that tastes virtually the same, year after year. Hey, nothing wrong with that. There is a certain comfort in knowing that the bottle you pick up, anywhere and everywhere, will be exactly what you know and expect it to be. But the smaller domaines don't have that luxury. Yes, they blend wine from multiple vintages and do have a "style", but the blend is usually 2/3 or so from a specific vintage. So, when you have a vintage like 2011, one of the worst in modern history, their NV cuvees suffer tremendously. There's just no way around it.
But, circling back to how you, my friend, are such a savvy consumer... when you have an excellent vintage like 2012, which is certainly the best since 2008 and maybe since 2002, you reap the rewards. Especially with a producer like this. Pierre Gimonnet et Fils has been rated by Robert Parker as "outstanding" and one of the top 15 producers in Champagne. One of the great grower families of the Côtes de Blancs, the Gimonnets produce what are probably called the bluest of blue chip Chardonnay Champagnes, and this particular lovely epitomizes the excellent Champagne they produce. Gimonnet is the poster child for the Côte des Blancs and an advocate of purity, sharp relief, and pronounced minerality combines with near weightlessness, a set of virtues probably uniquely possible in the best sites of this celebrated sub region. The brothers Olivier and Didier start with distinct advantages. In Cuis since the 1700s, the family has amassed an important estate of 25 hectares in splendid sites, with 100+ year old vines in the grand crus of Cremant and Chouilly. These are bolstered by their vineyards in Cuis, a premier cru notorious for its searing acidity, but one that is supremely elegant and bestowed the ultimate Champagne accolade: "restrained exuberance."
So... here was have 70% 2012, 6.5% 2011, 12% 2010, 12.5% 2009. All Chardonnay. Aged 30 months, at least, before disgorgement. Gimonnet’s 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs is luminescent and crisp with a full and slightly creamy body, and a lingering deliciously mouth-watering mineral finish. On the nose, there’s ripe citrus, apple and wet stone aromas. It’s complex and fresh all at once and most of all its absolutely delicious.What to pair with it? Practically anything. Pair it oysters or caviar and it will be glorious. Try it with pizza and wings, French fries, or popcorn and this wine will make the experience divine. Trust us on this: Gimonnet Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru can be a perfect opener or backbone to any meal.
Wine Spectator: 92 Points
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
Artwork does not necessarily represent items for sale.
