2016 A. Margaine Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru Brut, Champagne, France 1.5L MAG

ABOUT THIS WINE

This Blanc de Blanc made of Chardonnay comes from the village of Villers-Mamery at the far eastern end of the Montaigne de Reims. This wine sees 100% malolactic followed by 25% aging in wood. After 4 years on the lees, it is disgorged with a 8g/L dosage from a Solera "Super Cuvée." On the palate there's a striking vibrancy of lemon followed by walnut-butter notes with a rich, bright orange and pink grapefruit acidity to the finish.   

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

This is a small, family owned estate in the Premier Cru village of Villers-Mamery. This is a unique village; though it is in the Montagne, exposition and very chalky soil make it ideal for growing Chardonnay. Over ninety percent of the village is planted to that variety. Arnaud Margaine, the current proprietor, took over in 1989 and is the fourth generation grower-producer in his family. His daughter, Mathilde has recently come back to the domaine to help with operations. Today, the family farms 6.5 hectares, all in Villers-Marmery. Margaine has been a member of the Spécial Club since 1977and his Club wine is always a Blanc de Blancs from his oldest parcels in the village. The average age of the vines are over 35 years, with Champs d’Enfer over 60. Vineyard work here is meticulous, and precludes any herbicides and pesticides with a focus on balance. Cover crops are used extensively and Arnaud has thought aboutcertifying organic, though he has not yet made this decision. Margaine continues to experiment, in- troducing a Solera Cuvée last year as well asan excellent Rosé de Saignée from a small amount of Pinot Noir co-macerated with- Chardonnay. Vinification is in both barrel and stainless steel, depending on the parceland the wine. “A maximum of 20 to 30 percent [of barrel-fermented wine] is a good complement for my blends,” says Arnaud. “I don’t want to go any higher.” Arnaud keeps a large proportion of reserve wine, some of which is held in tank, with a percentage held in magnum with a slight mousse a la Bollinger. “They are rich in flavor without being heavy, and over the last decade and a half that I have been drinking them I feel that they have progressively gained in finesse and complexity. Capable of an intensely pronounced expression of terroir, Margaine’s champagnes represent for me the reference point for the village of Villers-Marmery.” -Peter Liem