NV J. Vignier QVFMR “Les Vignes d’Henri” Grand Cru Extra Brut, Champagne, France

ABOUT THIS WINE:

This year’s QVFMR release is “Les Vignes d’Henri” which is a blend of 2006-2007 and solely comes from Natalie’s grandfather’s original parcel in Cramant. It was made in the old way: pressing in the traditional coquard press and fermentation in old Burgundy barrels from Maratray-Dubreuil. Vignier no longer uses the coquard press in normal production now, and instead uses pneumatic presses. Next year’s Cuvée Ephémère release will be a parcel from Natalie’s grandmother, which will be all 2008 from Chouilly, which was also made in the old way. The marriage of these two ancestors brought these the Grand Cru vineyards together for the first time at this estate. Only 780 bottles were made of “Les Vignes d’Henri.”

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER:

Vignier’s holdings are now in the Grand Cru Villages of Cramant, Chouilly and Oiry, as well as some parcels in the Côte de Sézanne. Nathalie first worked as an insurance adjuster for wineries in Burgundy and Champagne and was called home to take over the estate by her father. She is slowly aligning the estate to her philosophy: higher ripeness, a return of oak to the cellar and no use of herbicides or pesticides. The Vignier family motto is “La bonté de l’esprit et la grandeur de courage,” which means “the goodness in spirit, and the courage to greatness.” There is a lot to look forward to from this grower in the future.