2014 J.L. Vergnon MSNL "Chétillons & Mussettes" Grand Cru Extra-Brut, Champagne, France

ABOUT THE WINE

MSNL 2014 is a Blanc de Blancs from Les Chétillons and Mussettes in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, one of the Côte des Blancs’ Grand Cru villages. Made entirely from Chardonnay, it brings together two named parcels in a cuvée shaped by the village’s distinctive white-wine identity.

Fermentation and initial maturation take place in stainless steel. Bottled in July 2015, the wine spends nine years in the cellar before disgorgement, with a restrained Extra-Brut dosage of 1 g/L. White fruit, toasted almond, lemon, bread and pastry accompany a smooth, silky palate. A long mineral and saline finish keeps the mature complexity focused; try it with refined seafood.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Jean-Louis Vergnon rebuilt the family vineyard in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in 1950 and later began making his own Chardonnay Champagnes, releasing his first wines in 1985. Didier continued that work, with Clément and Charlotte representing a new generation.

The domaine grows only Chardonnay across Grand Cru and Premier Cru sites. Its measured vineyard approach avoids herbicides and limits treatments, while careful harvesting and restrained dosage support clear site expression. Malolactic fermentation is avoided in the house’s approach, preserving freshness for patient development in bottle.