La Pouillote Extra Brut 2022

La Pouillote is a fruit-forward Champagne from the Vallée de la Marne, one whose minimal dosage takes nothing away from its fullness. Ripe peach and stone fruit compote set the tone, fine buttery and toasted notes add volume, while wet limestone and herbs provide a cooler counterpoint.

Vincelles lies on the southern bank of the Marne, about 20 kilometres west of Épernay. Jérôme Blin farms six hectares there, spread across numerous lieux-dits of clay, limestone, sand and flint. The family has been making wine in the village since 1671. Today two Comtois draft horses, Naya and Quartz, plough the vineyards, while the sheep Chouquette keeps the grass between the rows short. The estate works according to biodynamic principles, with each parcel vinified separately.

75 percent Meunier and 25 percent Chardonnay from vines around 45 years old. 85 percent of the cuvée comes from the 2022 vintage, 15 percent is reserve wine. Fermentation happens spontaneously with the estate's own yeasts, vinified in stainless steel. Tirage took place in March 2023, disgorgement in September 2025 with a dosage in the extra brut range, 3 grams.

Plenty of richness and juicy, almost opulent fruit: peach, soft pome and stone fruit and red berries meet lemon and pink grapefruit. Add to that biscuit, herbs and a pronounced saffron spice. Fine tannin gives grip to the creamy texture, while vibrant acidity provides enough tension to balance the fullness. The mousse foams up vigorously.

Pinot Meunier accounts for 70 percent of the estate's vineyard area — a variety long underrated in Champagne carries the cuvée here.