A Bear of a Champagne from Famille Moussé
..And the Bear Said, Look on the bright side, there’s always Champagne 🥂 and the following are printed on the back of his labels, the mantra this talented winemaker whom I had the pleasure to spend a day with in December (read more on Cédric Moussé.
COMPOST
PLOUGHING
COVER CROP
PEDOLOGY & GREEN CLAY
LIMESTONE MARL
PLANTS
COMMON SENSE
OBSERVATION
WINE
WE LET NATURE TAKE ITS COURSE PHILOSOPHY
EVERY SMALL DETAIL MATTERS.
Champagne Famille Moussé Eugène - Longue Garde
This Blanc de Noirs ( blend of 80% Meunier and 20% Pinot Noir) grown in green clay over limestone marl in Cuisles, Jonquery and Châtillon-sur-Marne. As the name implies, it has had extended aging with a complex blending process. The Solera method is used to make this Cuvée with perpetual reserve ranging from 2003 to 2017 with 50% of the last harvest added each year to refresh the vin de réserve. Disgorged 02/06/2023 (I love how exact the information is from Cédric). Sur lie for over 60 months with a total SO2 of 29 mg/l (which is very little). Malolactic fermentation and zero dosage for this pretty superb and delicately fruity Champagne. Notice the paper (not the traditional aluminum) capsule - one of his many environmentally conscious practices.
Pours into the glass excitedly - the lively tiny bubbles and the burnished gold color.
Ample bouquet shows its pretty Meunier self - purity of fruit, cherry blossom, subtle herbal tones and the clear terroir transparent shines through with Cedric’s careful attention.
First sip reveals an open knit greeting of spiced pear tart, honeyed peaches, white cherries, dried white blossom, leading into burnt toffee, cherry wood smoke, brioche, mushrooms and toasted almonds. The finish is very supple and lingering on the terroir’s minerality.
There's such precision here. Cedric’s organic farming and care creates wines that are precise, savory, and brightly-fruited. His signature purity of terroir resonates throughout.
Painting by my daughter Megan - Happy Bear In The Snow
