This wine is of very limited quantity. As such, the Digital Somm did not get a taste, but you can! Unfortunately, while that means there is limited detailed information and no Digital Somm recommendations associated with rating the wine, you do still receive loyalty points, so cheer up!
Chardonnay may be the most versatile white wine grape, often seen as a blank canvas. It displays various flavors and aromas depending on where it is grown and more specifically, how it is made. It can range in Palate Character from Bright & Crisp to Rich & Full depending on the climate. It is also particularly malleable and highly affected by winemaking choices like as malolactic fermentation, lees stirring, barrel fermentation and ageing practices.
Pinot Noir
33%Pee-NO NWAR
Pinot Noir is arguably the most revered grape variety in the world with origins in Burgundy, France where the best expressions can still be found. Pinot Noir is not only a tough grape to grow, it also shows miniscule differences in terroir arguably more than any other grape variety. Stylistically, it is generally higher in acid and lower in tannin but can vary depending on the location, and winemaking technique. It is very versatile with food, and shows a range of flavor from red and black fruit, floral, spice, earth, and mineral qualities.
Meunier
33%MOON-Yere
Meunier, also known as Pinot Meunier, is a red grape variety primarily grown in the Champagne region of France, named for the flour-like appearance of its grape leaves. It is valued for its fruity profile, featuring flavors of red berries and plum, and its ability to add softness and approachability to Champagne blends.
The Laval family has been growing vines for four generations, selling grapes to the larger houses. But in 1971 Georges Laval began producing estate-bottled champagne which soon became recognized as one of the stand bearers for quality for grower/producer Champagne, once a rarity.
His son Vincent now runs this tiny 2.5-hectare estate. The average age of the vines is 30 years old, with some as old as 70 years of age. A rarity in Champagne, the Laval family has been practicing organic viticulture since 1971. Only organic compost is used, cover crops are planted in all of the plots, and the Lavals' practice regular tilling to both oxygenate the soil and encourage the roots to grow deeper. Fermentation takes place in barrel using only indigenous yeasts with resultant win neither fined, filtered nor cold-stabilized.
You would or should be forgiven if you have never heard of this tiny jewel of an estate. Not only is it unassuming - you would drive right by it, and given its tiny production, it is not always available, but those in the know actively seek it out because the Lavals' attention to detail in the vineyard and winery yields one of Champagne’s great wines.
Sparkling
Organic
