Presentation
The cuvée
Extra Brut Millésime Jacques Selosse 2013 is a singular expression of Avize and the Côte des Blancs, crafted by one of Champagne’s most revered grower-producers. This vintage Champagne stands at the crossroads of precision and complexity, offering a deeply gastronomic style. Its identity rests on an intense chalk-driven character, long lees ageing and a particularly low dosage, which reveal the essence of its terroir with remarkable clarity. This is a wine for connoisseurs who seek depth rather than exuberance, able to reward attention and patience at the table and in the cellar.
Origin and Winemaking
- The terroir is rooted mainly in the grand cru slopes of the Côte des Blancs, where pure chalk subsoils provide exceptional drainage and impart a saline, mineral backbone. The cool continental climate and the orientation of the parcels allow slow, even ripening, ideal for producing structured, age‑worthy Champagnes.
- The grape variety is predominantly Chardonnay, the emblematic white grape of the region. In this context it brings tension, verticality and great aromatic precision, evolving over time from citrus and white flowers to notes of dried fruits and brioche.
- Fermentation and ageing traditionally take place in small oak barrels, with extended maturation on fine lees. This approach, combined with the extra‑brut dosage, builds a complex texture and layers of flavour while preserving the wine’s purity. The 2013 vintage, marked by a cool growing season, gives the wine a taut profile and excellent ageing potential.
Tasting
- Appearance
Brilliant, pale gold robe with fine, persistent bubbles forming a delicate cordon, reflecting long bottle ageing and meticulous prise de mousse.
- Nose
Precise and slowly unfurling, with notes of lemon zest, green apple, chalk dust and white flowers, followed by hints of toasted hazelnut, fresh bread crust and a faint touch of spice and dried herbs.
- Palate
Straight and energetic attack, carried by a vibrant acidity and a pronounced saline impression. The mid‑palate gains in volume with nuances of citrus, ripe pear, roasted nuts and subtle smoky, pastry‑like notes. The finish is long, dry and chiselled, with a lingering mineral grip.
Food Pairings & Occasions
- Ideal pairings include refined seafood and gastronomic dishes such as:
- Oysters, shellfish and sashimi
- Carpaccio or tartare of white fish
- Butter‑poached lobster, scallops or turbot
- Poultry with cream sauce, or aged hard cheeses
- This cuvée shines at intimate gastronomic dinners, celebratory meals for seasoned Champagne lovers, or contemplative tastings where it can be followed over several hours in the glass.
Cellaring Potential and Serving
- The earliest recommended drinking window begins now for those who appreciate tension and youthful energy, ideally from 2024 onward.
- The cellaring potential is significant: under good storage conditions, this vintage can evolve gracefully for 10 to 15 years, developing more tertiary notes of brioche, honey and dried fruits.
- Serve chilled but not too cold, around 10–12°C, in a fine white‑wine or Champagne glass rather than a narrow flute, to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and texture.
