NV Philippe Gonet “TER Noir” Extra-Brut, Champagne, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

The TER Collection is born out the desire to highlight our terroirs, hence the simplified name. They are subtle blends of three terroirs, carefully selected, for each cuvée. The bottle design is inspired from one blown in the 18th century, found in the cellars of the chateau. The collar is very thin and delicate; the curve of the shoulders is very generous. Pierre Gonet chose to make the collection in 60-hectoliter oak barrels, to bring out the complexity and depth of his wines. Without malolactic fermentation, these cuvées are exceptional. Some of the vines never received any insecticides or herbicides, out of respect for the soil, and a desire to have a more ecological approach. TER cuvées represent the epitome of Champagne Philippe Gonet’s style.

This more generous blend comes from the three classical Champagne grape varieties. The first third comes from “Le Champ de la Truie” section of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, planted in Chardonnay. The second third comes from the terroir called “Le Tertre,” planted in Pinot Noir, in the area of Montgueux. The last third comes from the parcel “Le pré des vallées,” planted with Pinot Meunier, in the soil of Monthodon. This cuvée is supple and round. It reveals a beautiful fruit complexity and a real depth. The finish is fresh and silky.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Gonet is one of the most distinguished of the Champagne houses, located in the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Cote des Blancs. Pierre and Chantal, brother and sister, took the reins of the seventh generation of winemaking at the ages of just 22 and 23. Their father, Philippe Gonet, had passed, and so the siblings had responsibilities thrust on their shoulders, growing closer in the process despite contrasting personalities. While they could have easily sunk, they not only were able to swim, but soared. Today, Pierre oversees winemaking and the vineyards while Chantal is the face of Gonet internationally.