Viniou Reviews
Le Mesnil 2013 Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, hailing from the prestigious village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs, is an outstanding expression of Chardonnay in its purest form. As a Blanc de Blancs, this Champagne is crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, harvested from vines situated in Grand Cru classified vineyards—a testament to both its pedigree and potential. The 2013 vintage offered a relatively cool season, yielding wines with ample freshness, precise acidity, and impressive ageing potential. The traditional method of vinification, involving secondary fermentation in bottle and extended lees ageing, imparts fine bubbles, subtle complexity, and a delicate brioche-like character that is the hallmark of top-tier Champagnes.
The Champagne region, set in north-eastern France, enjoys a cool continental climate tempered by maritime influences. Chalky soils, particularly in the Côte des Blancs, foster exceptional drainage and impart a trademark minerality to the wines. This terroir, combined with Le Mesnil's legacy as one of Champagne's most revered Grand Cru villages, produces sparkling wines famed for their finesse, clear citrus notes, and elegant structure. Champagne's history as a centre of viticultural innovation and its status as the birthplace of sparkling wine only enhance the mystique and desirability of bottles such as this.
Pairing a Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs with food requires dishes that enhance its vibrancy and silkiness. Fresh seafood—think oysters, diver scallops carpaccio, or king crab—makes a superb match, while the classic combination with caviar is always memorable. For regional harmony, try it with gougères, delicate cheese puffs traditional in the Champagne area, or a light tartare of sea bream with lemon zest. Sushi and sashimi, especially with wasabi and ginger, are also excellent accompaniments, as they echo the wine’s purity and linearity.
For optimal enjoyment, serve Le Mesnil Grand Cru 2013 at 8-10°C. This allows the complex bouquet of citrus, white flowers, toasted almond and a touch of brioche to fully express itself, while preserving the Champagne's invigorating acidity and finesse. Decanting is not necessary; simply pour gently and savour its elegance, ideally in a tulip-shaped flute or white wine glass to appreciate the aromas in all their nuance.
