NV Pierre Gimonnet & Fils - Cuis 1er Cru Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut

Based on the 2021 vintage, the NV Champagne 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs Cuis Brut has 36% reserve wines from 2014-2020, all from Cuis. It pours a pale yellow hue and is lifted and fresh with aromas of green pear, lemon-lime zest, fresh white flowers, and wet stone. It offers a lively mousse, with a chalky, clean texture of Flintstones vitamins and a clean, refreshing finish. It is going to drink well now or over the next few years.

Based on the incisive 2021 vintage (two-thirds of the blend) and complemented with reserve wines from 2014 to 2020 (kept in bottles at low pressure), the latest Gimonnet’s NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuis 1er Cru was disgorged earlier this year with a six grams per liter dosage. Opening from the glass with notes of Asian pear, honeysuckle and hazelnut, it is medium to full-bodied, with vibrant acids, a pillowy mousse and a broad finish. This isn’t the most electric wine in the cellar, but it is a considerable effort. Gimonnet owns 15 hectares in Cuis, making them the largest grower-bottler of this cru.

This delightful Blanc de Blancs marries excellent depth of character – all the citrus, crisp pear and floral aromas of chardonnay – with charm. Properly dry, but very harmonious, thanks to the excellent balance of citrusy freshness and creaminess. Long, clean finish, accentuated by the lively mousse. A cuvee of 2/3rds 2018 with a third of vintages between 2016 and 2011, disgorged in July, 2021. Drink now.