Notes:
The 2018 Brut Les Fortes Terres (100% Meunier) is a bold, explosive wine that shows a notably exuberant expression of Meunier. Ripe pear, spice, flowers and mint are nicely amplified. Even with minimal dosage (0.5 grams per liter), the 2018 is on the riper side. All this needs is more mid-palate persistence, but it is still very nicely done. Disgorged: January 11, 2023. Vinous Media 92
- Producer: Moussé Fils is a family-owned grower Champagne estate based in Cuisles in the Vallée de la Marne. The domaine is managed by Cédric Moussé, the fourth generation of the family, who assumed responsibility in 2003. The estate farms approximately 12 hectares, with vineyards located primarily in Cuisles, Jonquery, Châtillon-sur-Marne, and Olizy. Pinot Meunier accounts for roughly 80% of the vineyard plantings, reflecting the historic identity of the Vallée de la Marne. The estate has eliminated herbicides, relies on mechanical cultivation, practices sustainable viticulture, and vinifies each parcel separately. Fermentations are carried out with indigenous yeasts, and dosage is kept intentionally low throughout the range.
- Vineyard: Les Fortes Terres is produced from 100% Pinot Meunier grown in the Les Fortes Terres lieu-dit in Cuisles. This was the first 100% Meunier cuvée produced by the estate, first released in 2005. The vineyard occupies the upper portion of the hillside, where centuries of erosion have left shallow soils over green clay (illite) and limestone marl. The proximity of the clay layer limits vine vigor and contributes naturally concentrated fruit. The 2018 bottling is produced exclusively from the 2018 harvest and is released only in vintages selected for the estate's top Blanc de Noirs.
- Winemaking: Fruit is harvested by hand and fermented in stainless steel tanks, followed by full malolactic fermentation. No oak is used during vinification or élevage. After bottling, the wine remained on its lees for approximately 48 months before disgorgement in January 2023. The wine is bottled as Extra Brut with a 0.5 g/L dosage, allowing the vineyard and the Pinot Meunier to remain the primary focus. The combination of extended lees aging, stainless steel élevage, and minimal dosage produces a wine emphasizing freshness, texture, and mineral definition.
- Technical Details: Champagne AOC; Vintage 2018; 100% Pinot Meunier; single-vineyard Les Fortes Terres, Cuisles; shallow soils over green clay (illite) and limestone marl; hand harvested; stainless steel fermentation; full malolactic fermentation; 48 months on the lees; disgorged January 2023; 0.5 g/L dosage; 12% alcohol.
- Food Pairing: The structure and low dosage of Les Fortes Terres make it well suited to roast pork, duck breast, guinea fowl, grilled mushrooms, veal, and aged Comté. Its combination of Pinot Meunier fruit, bright acidity, and extended lees aging also pairs well with charcuterie, roast chicken, and grilled shellfish, where the wine's texture and mineral finish complement richer flavors without overwhelming them.
Moussé Fils "Les Fortes Terres" Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 2018
Sale price$125.00
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Moussé Fils "Les Fortes Terres" Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 2018
Sale price$125.00
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