Champagne Rémy Massin & fils L'Integrale Extra Brut NV
A Stunningly Priced Champagne that crushes the competition!
Retail
Why We Love It...
Remy Massin traces its roots on the sunny hillsides of Ville-sur-Arce all the way back to 1865. Now, five generations of growing grapes later, this exceptional producer consistently crafts some of our favorite cuvées to be found in any corner of the sparkling wine world. Closely matching the Kimmeridgian soils of nearby Chablis, their vineyards are predominantly planted to pinot noir, with about 20% dedicated to chardonnay and a scant 5% set aside for the pinot blanc.
This 100% pinot noir hails from the Massin family holdings in the Côte des Bar, on the southern part of Champagne bordering nearby Chablis. Just over 100 years ago, the powers-that-be tried to exclude this region from the classification of Champagne, which ended in violent riots and protests. Things were set to rights after World War I, and the Côte des Bar has been officially Champagne ever since.
This cuvée is aged for four years on the lees and finished with four grams per liter dosage at disgorgement. The wine is both fresh and mature – with bright acidity and tart lemon and grapefruit notes uplifting a ripe, spiced cherry note with hints of green apple and fig leaf. The richness of the (relatively) warmer climate is evident in the full-bodied characters on the palate, with a zippy, mineral edge throughout that gives an almost Chablisienne nod to the chalky, jagged limestone soils. Aromas of dried, red flowers, and sourdough baguette, and green hay pull you in, but in the end, it is the depth and complexity on the palate that leaves you craving more and more. But hey, at these kinds of prices, go on and crack another bottle! You deserve this.