Champagne Mandois, Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Brut, 2019

'One-Liner'
A refined vintage Blanc de Blancs with preserved lemon, orchard fruit, fresh almond, brioche and a long saline finish.

Tasting Note
Pale yellow in the glass with golden tints and fine, persistent bubbles. The nose is bright and layered, with preserved lemon, bergamot zest, orchard fruit and fresh almond, followed by white flowers, toasted bread and buttered brioche. On the palate it is lively and pure, showing white peach, mirabelle plum and a little toasted hazelnut richness. The mousse is creamy and polished, while the finish is long, fresh and gently saline. A precise, elegant Blanc de Blancs with both freshness and depth.

Country: France
Region: Champagne 
Sub-Region: n/a
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
ABV: 12%
Friendly: Vegan, Organic

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
Champagne Mandois has been rooted in Pierry, just south of Épernay, for generations, and this Blanc de Blancs sits at the heart of the house style. Made entirely from Chardonnay, it shows the grape’s more precise Champagne character – citrus, florals, almond, pastry and that lovely chalky-saline line running underneath.
The 2019 vintage is vinified with 80% of the wine in stainless steel and 20% in wood, giving a balance of clarity and texture. More than four years on lees brings the brioche, toasted bread and hazelnut notes, but the wine still keeps its freshness, helped by a restrained dosage of 6g/l.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Smoked salmon blinis with lemon crème fraîche
- Vegetarian: Goat’s cheese, pea and mint tart
- Vegan: Pea, mint and lemon crostini