Champagne Regis Poissinet Meunier Cuvée Irizee Extra Brut 2016

Régis Poissinet knew from the ripe age of 14 that he wanted to one day become a Champagne grower and producer. Growing up with a deep admiration for nature, he spent his childhood in his family’s vineyards before taking on several apprenticeships at various vineyards and observing a number of winemaking techniques, studying the contrasts and forming his own opinions and style. Today, he runs his estate of seven hectares of vineyards in the Marne Valley, producing low-intervention, biodynamic sparkling wines boasting richness of terroir and pleasurable complexity.

Régis has proudly tasked himself with the project of showcasing the Marne Valley’s fruits and terroirs, as a native to these vines who grew up tending to them. His focused studies armed him with the knowledge and wherewithal to one day take over his family’s land, and like many growers, his focus is to showcase the distinctness of the terroir and the region’s favorite son, Pinot Meunier. He moved to completely sustainable and biodynamic farming practices in 2011, and the payoff has been palpable. The vines average an age of 35 years old but still produce at their utter prime, spread among more than 35 different parcels across the villages of the Marne Valley.

The Marne’s revered limestone clay soils are an ideal environment for Pinot Meunier, and are responsible for the power and depth of this cuvée. Named for the Greek mythology messenger of the gods, Iris, this wine symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth, thoughtfully selected from the estate’s best 2016 juices. Following traditional vinification, the 100% Pinot Meunier ages in barrels and vats, remaining unfiltered and taking a low dosage of 2.25 grams to keep things rich and voluptuous, and simultaneously dry and penetrating. Long lees aging adds to the complexity and brings in sensational nutty, yeasty notes to add roundness and balance.

The result is an incredibly vinous Champagne with a luscious, silky texture and fine, soft bubbles. Earthy aromas float from the glass initially, with a concoction of white peppercorn, dried herbs, clay, and white peaches. Meanwhile, the palate is decidedly more vibrant and zippy, with percolating flavors of ripe apricot, green apple, tart cranberry, sage, salty sea air, and a chalky minerality on the remarkably lengthy finish. Bold yet elegant, this is a wine I want to savor again and again, made with the utmost care and attention as an authentic reflection of the terroir. If you can swing more than one bottle, I would highly recommend laying at least one down for the future and savoring one sooner. This is such a special wine with so many unique layers and twists and turns – we can’t say enough good things!