The colour is medium gold, with a few fine, short-lasting bubbles. On the nose nuts, accompanied by a subtle aroma of apples and bananas. In the mouth a lively acidity, with the apples reappearing in the taste. The aftertaste is rather short.
This Champagne is made by Liébart-Régniet with 100% Petit Meslier grapes. All grapes come from a single parcel, from the 2019 harvest. Both fermentations, alcoholic and malolactic, have been carried out in oak barrels. The wine aged on the lees for 30 months. No dosage has been added, allowing the natural expression of the wine.
Petit Meslier is a rare white wine grape variety grown and used in tiny amounts in Champagne (less than 0.5% of the AOC). It is the result of a cross between Gouais blanc and Savagnin. Until the 19th century, Petit Meslier was widespread. Today, it is an “enthusiast’s grape.”
Petit Meslier vines bud early, putting them at risk from spring frost. This is a clear disadvantage in the Champagne region’s cold, continental climate. It is one reason Petit Meslier has almost entirely been replaced with the less demanding Chardonnay.
Nowadays, Petit Meslier is one of the four lesser-known varieties allowed in the production of champagne, along with the widely used Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. The remaining three are: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Arbane.
For this bottle I paid 58 EUR at Les Caves du Forum in Reims. I think that if it were not for the rare grape used, it would sell for half the price, or less…
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Grapes: Petit Meslier
Type: Sparkling
Vintage: 2019
Producer: Liébart-Régniet
Price range: Extra (50-100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 2/5