Pouillon
Champagne Grande Vallee Extra Brut Magnum
| Denomination | AOC Champagne Extra Brut |
|---|---|
| Size | 1,50 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.0% by volume |
| Area | Champagne region (France) |
| Grape varieties | 65% Pinot Nero, 20% Pinot Meunier, 15% Chardonnay |
| Aging | 18-24 months |
- Cuvée Grande Vallée: Extra Brut sparkling wine, very dry, precise and balanced
- Grape composition: Pinot Noir 65%, Meunier 20%, Chardonnay 15%
- Maturation: 18-24 months on the lees, reserve wines aged in French oak
- Vallée de la Marne: suitable for starters, fish, sushi, fried foods and cheeses
- Critical ratings: 93 James Suckling, 91 Vinous
Description
What kind of wine it is
The Champagne Grande Vallée Extra Brut Magnum by R. Pouillon is a sparkling wine of great finesse and character. Produced using the Traditional Method, it is created from a blend of Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay that combines the freshness of the harvest with the depth of reserve wines. On the palate, it is essential, dry and balanced, offering remarkable precision of flavour. Its pronounced elegance makes it ideal for pairing with starters, shellfish and sushi, and it also proves excellent with fried fish and cheeses. Its high quality is confirmed by prestigious scores from critics such as James Suckling and Vinous.
Where it comes from
The grapes come from the Marne Valley, the historic heart of the Champagne region. The cuvée originates from a mosaic of plots distributed among the villages of Avenay, Épernay and Festigny, complemented by grapes from Mareuil and Mutigny. This variety of vineyards ensures an authentic expression of the terroir, providing a solid qualitative foundation. The approach in the vineyard aims to enhance the specific pedoclimatic characteristics of the French territory, translating the natural vocation of the soils into a wine with an essential and consistent profile, dedicated to maximum expressive clarity.
How it is produced
The production process follows a philosophy focused on achieving the highest expressive quality. The primary vinification takes place in small vats and French oak barrels, allowing the individual batches to be managed separately. The reserve wines aged in wood enrich the final blend before bottling. The secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle according to the Traditional Method, with ageing on the lees for 18-24 months. This prolonged maturation imparts breadth and structure, while the Extra Brut dosage ensures a dry and controlled sip, maintaining the perfect balance of the cuvée.
History and Curiosities
The Magnum format of the Grande Vallée cuvée embodies R. Pouillon's vision. This Extra Brut is created by blending the current vintage with reserve wines aged in French oak, to enhance the quality of each harvest rather than replicating a standardised blend. Grapes from the Marne Valley are matured for 18-24 months using the traditional method. The 1.5-litre bottle boasts 93 points from James Suckling.
Awards
-
93/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
91/100
Vinous is the online guide from Antonio Galloni, one of the world's leading wine connoisseurs.
Tasting notes
Color
Taste
Serve at:
06 - 08 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
- Start up year: 1947
- Bottles produced: 85.000
- Hectares: 7
In 1964, James (Roger and Bernadette's only child) started working with his father while developing his knowledge as a winemaker. He was joined a year later by his wife, Josette, born in Champagne as well.
As Recoltant-Manipultant, the Poullons own their own press and do not work in a coop. The control every step of the process, from the vine to the bottle.
After the death of Roger Poullon in 1993, and his spouse 2 years later, Fabrice (James's yougest son) joins the family business and bring with him his background in viticulture, oenology and marketing. His wife Elodie follow in 2000 to help on the marketing side.
As a young winemaker, James modernized the operation with the use of enamelled vats, hydraulic tractors and gyropaletts. Later, Fabrice introduced sustainable agriculture and started to export Roger Pouillon Champagne to the US, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Belgium, Canada, Australia and UK. Read more
| Name | R. Pouillon Champagne Grande Vallee Extra Brut Magnum |
|---|---|
| Type | White classic method sparkling wine extra brut |
| Denomination | Champagne AOC |
| Size | 1,50 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 65% Pinot Nero, 20% Pinot Meunier, 15% Chardonnay |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne region |
| Vendor | Pouillon |
| Story | History and Curiosities The Magnum format of the Grande Vallée cuvée embodies R. Pouillon's vision. This Extra Brut is created by blending the current vintage with reserve wines aged in French oak, to enhance the quality of each harvest rather than replicating a standardised blend. Grapes from the Marne Valley are matured for 18-24 months using the traditional method. The 1.5-litre bottle boasts 93 points from James Suckling. |
| Origin | Valle della Marna (Champagne), Francia: Avenay, Épernay, Festigny, Mareuil, Mutigny |
| Production technique | Traditional method |
| Wine making | In small barrels and small vats. |
| Aging | 18-24 months |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |