Valentin Leflaive : Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Verzenay 20 3.0

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for the Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Verzenay 20 3.0 by Valentin Leflaive

Tasting

Color
The color shows a slight hue, a characteristic reflection of the Pinot Noir grape variety.

Nose
The bouquet reveals a subtle and delicate aromatic palette, marked by notes of red berries, sweet almond and hazelnut.

Palate
On the palate, this Champagne stands out for its straightness and precision. The palate lengthens with subtle bitter notes that enhance the finish, imparting a mouthwatering dimension to the whole.

Food Pairings

This Champagne pairs perfectly with roasted free-range chicken cromesquis and 24-month Comté.

Service and Cellaring

Ideally enjoyed at a temperature between 8°C and 10°C. This Champagne can be appreciated until around 2030.

A Verzenay Grand Cru Champagne from old vines on the Montagne de Reims

The Estate

The House of Champagne Valentin Leflaive was born from the meeting of two great French traditions: the Burgundian know-how of the Leflaive family and the prestigious terroir of Champagne. Founded in 2015 by Olivier Leflaive, the renowned winemaker of Puligny-Montrachet, the house was created with the aim of transferring the excellence and precision of the great white wines of Burgundy to the production of terroir-driven Champagnes. The name Valentin is that of Olivier’s son, born in 2007.

The approach is plot-based, exacting and resolutely focused on expressing the Chardonnay grape variety, mainly from the Côte des Blancs (Avize, Mesnil-sur-Oger, etc.). Each cuvée reflects a unique identity, vinified in small volumes, with meticulous attention paid to aging (often partly in barrels), low dosage and aromatic purity. Valentin Leflaive thus embodies a pure, elegant style, aimed at lovers of signature wines.

The Vineyard

This cuvée comes exclusively from the Verzenay Grand Cru, located on the Montagne de Reims. The 55-year-old Pinot Noir vines are planted on silty soils over chalk, at 160 meters altitude with a north exposure. This configuration promotes slow ripening and preserves the freshness of the grapes. This Champenois vineyard is managed according to the principles of sustainable viticulture.

The letters define the grape variety and/or the parcel of each cuvée, and the numbers indicate the years of the reserve wines used as well as the dosage. Thus, this cuvée originated from the parcels of Verzenay; 2020 is the year of the base Blend and finally 3,0 g is the sugar dosage per liter.

Winemaking and Aging

Harvesting is carried out entirely by hand. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. This Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs was bottled in March 2021 and benefited from 31 months of aging on laths before disgorgement.

Grape Variety

100% Pinot Noir.