Champagne Tellier - 'La Cote Aux Cerisiers' Moussy Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut 2018

Wine Region: Champagne - France

Grapes: 100% Chardonnay.

Tasting Notes: The very pale-yellow colour of this cuvee is adorned with beautiful green reflections. The slow and delicate effervescence builds a thin foam necklace on the surface of the wine. The visual palette is clean and peaceful.

The first nose confirms the visual impression. The springlike freshness expresses itself through citrus, almond and dairy products. Delicate vanilla-flavoured biscuit aromas appear and indicate the good aging of the cuvee in our cellars. Upon aeration, the nose shifts towards a more “earthy” personality, with notes of undergrowth and grain, as well as pineapple and milk. The nose is still a little bit shy but very promising.

The attack on the palate is very lively, invigorating and refreshing. This great and energic acidity gives rhythm to the tasting and adds some smoothness. The effervescence also contributes to this general impression and the cuvee develops a tense character with vanilla aromas. Nice tannins appear later on.

The finish is long (around 8 seconds of persistence), slightly astringent and highly mouth-watering. It is also salty and chalky, and finally more mineral than aromatic. Serve in a tall champagne flute, between 8 and 10°C, in order to preserve the cuvee’s straightness and aromatic expression.

Pair with seeded puff pastries, Parmesan crisps, diced Emmental, ceviche or toasts with crab and Granny Smith apple.

About the winery:

Domaine Tellier is situated in Moussy, near Epernay, which is located between the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs in the very heart of the Champagne region.

Most of the plots are found midway up the slopes and spread over 5 villages. Each plot reflects a micro-terroir created by its location, topography and soil structure. To make the most of this diversity, they decided to vinify all the plots separately. 

A new chapter in the château’s history was begun in 2014 when the property was acquired by the Moulin and Cathiard families, who have brought with them considerable enthusiasm and experience.

Terroir: Although chalk is at the foundation of the great Champagne terroirs, they have two different types of soil in their vineyards: 

7ha in Moussy and Pierry: the historic “Domaine des Conardins”.

On these 13 plots, Pinot Meunier predominates (59%), followed by Chardonnay (35%) and a touch of Pinot Noir (6%). This terroir, with deep soil over a chalky bedrock, creates wines with structure, power and good length.  

 2ha in Chavot, Fontaine/ Aÿ and Cramant

These 4 small plots are entirely planted with Chardonnay. The shallow soils sit over chalk that often breaks through to the surface. This terroir lends the wines elegance and minerality.