Champagne Tasting 2024

Beth Kuchynka • November 18, 2024



Below are the wines poured at this year's Annual Champagne Tasting. Please reach out with interest.

NV Drémont-Marroy Noir de Méandre Extra Brut (Non Dosé)  

Experience the craftsmanship of the brother-sister duo, Jean-Rémi and Mélanie Drémont, who burst onto the scene in 2016 and are making waves along the Marne River’s majestic “grand méandre.” Their story began with their grandmother planting a single hectare of vines in 1945, which has since flourished into a 7.5-hectare certified organic estate as of 2022. The "Noir de Méandre" cuvée pays homage to the sweeping bend of the Marne River near Charly-sur-Marne and is a stunning Blanc de Noir blend of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Pinot Meunier. Sourced from parcels with a mix of erosional, alluvial, and “tuffeau” limestone soils, this wine embodies the unique terroir and meticulous care of the Drémont family. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in this extraordinary, non-dosé Extra Brut. 

 


NV Dekeyne & Fils Vogloniers Extra Brut  

From their five-hectare organic and biodynamic estate in Bethon, the Dekeyne brothers, Gael and Baptiste, continue their family's legacy that began in 1919. Their Vogloniers cuvée showcases a harmonious blend: 50% old-vine Chardonnay, 40% young-vine Chardonnay, and 10% Pinot Noir. Hand-harvested grapes are gently pressed in an old basket press, and the juice ferments with indigenous yeast in stainless steel tanks, undergoing malolactic fermentation before spring bottling. Aged for three years “sur lattes” before disgorgement, this Extra Brut delights with its refined complexity and a 4g dosage prepared with cane sugar. 


 

NV Fresnes Ducret Arquemie No. 7 Premier Cru Brut  

The Fresne Ducret domaine, boasting 6 hectares of Premier Cru vineyards in Villedommange, blends elegance and tradition. The Arquemie No. 7 is crafted from four Premier Cru parcels with clay-limestone soils: “Les Loges,” “Les Monts Teigneux,” “Les Glaisières,” and “Les Huchis.” This blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier, and 35% Chardonnay uses only the finest “cuvée” juice. Resting “sur lattes” for a minimum of 60 months before disgorgement and dosed at 4.5g, this Champagne offers a luxurious tasting experience that embodies Premier Cru excellence. 


NV José Michel Pinot Meunier Brut  

A true testament to tradition, José Michel’s first vintage dates back to 1955, creating a cult following with his exceptional Pinot Meunier Champagnes. Now, his grandson Antonin continues the legacy. The “Chapitre” Pinot Meunier non-vintage brut blends 90% 2021 with 10% reserve wine from 2020, aged in oak barrels. The final blend rests in a mix of 57% stainless steel and 43% 600-liter oak barrels. With a dosage of 3-4g/l, this Champagne offers a perfect balance of vibrant character and subtle richness. 

 


NV Bourdaire-Gallois Brut Rosé Non Dosé  

David Bourdaire’s 8-hectare vineyard in Pouillon, nestled in the Massif Saint-Thierry, is home to some of the oldest vines, with Chardonnay planted as far back as 1923. The Rosé Extra-Brut NV is 100% Pinot Meunier from six parcels and is crafted by combining 21% red wine with 79% white wine. Fermented in stainless steel tanks with 20% reserve wine from the previous vintage, this Rosé delivers depth, complexity, and finesse in every sip. 


 

NV R. Dumont & Fils Champagne Brut SOLERA Reserve  

From the Aube region’s renowned village of Champignol-lez-Mondeville, the Dumont family presents their unique SOLERA Reserve. First initiated in 1991, this singular solera tank blend now holds over 20 vintages of exclusively Chardonnay, offering a distinct depth and maturity. After the initial fermentation and solera blending, the wine spends two years “sur lattes” to perfect its complexity. With a dosage of 6 grams, this Champagne is a rare find that promises an experience unlike any other, showcasing aged elegance with a modern twist. 

 


 

Enjoy these exceptional Champagnes that speak to the artistry and dedication of their makers. Thanks for supporting bayleaf! 



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