Pouillon
Champagne Grande Vallée Extra Brut
| Denomination | AOC Champagne Extra Brut |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.0% by volume |
| Area | Champagne region (France) |
| Grape varieties | 65% Pinot Nero, 20% Pinot Meunier, 15% Chardonnay |
| Aging | Matured on the lees for 18-24 months. |
- Non-vintage blend: 65% Pinot Noir, 20% Meunier, 15% Chardonnay
- Ageing on the lees: 18–24 months for greater complexity and aromatic precision
- Natural refermentation: exclusively using grape sugars, with no added sucrose
- Extra Brut profile: very dry, crisp and fruity taste, characterised by finesse
- Pairings and accolades: ideal with fish and shellfish; 93 points James Suckling, 91 points Vinous
Description
What kind of wine it is
Champagne Grande Vallée Extra Brut by Pouillon presents an authentic and rigorous profile. The result of a skilful blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, this wine stands out for its clear and precise character. Crafted according to the strict rules of the Traditional Method, it combines the liveliness of fruity aromas with an elegant structural complexity. On the palate, it is extremely dry and clean, offering a refreshing sip supported by the Extra Brut dosage, capable of expressing a sensation of absolute purity.
Where it comes from
This cuvée is born from the union of grapes grown in the renowned communes of Avenay, Épernay, Festigny, Mareuil and Mutigny. Pouillon began its story in this region in 1947, when Roger Pouillon started vinifying the fruit from a small family plot. Today, the estate operates as an independent winegrower, following a hands-on agricultural approach that enhances the expressiveness of each individual parcel. The strong connection to its place of origin is evoked by the symbol of the willow and its roots, representing a family heritage aimed at preserving an authentic territorial identity.
How it is produced
The vinification process begins with meticulous fermentation and maturation in small vats and barrels, steps that encourage a harmonious evolution of the base wine. The blending brings together different selections to achieve maximum expressive balance. The uniqueness of this Traditional Method lies in an exclusive natural prise de mousse, activated using only the grape's original sugars without the addition of external elements. The production process concludes with ageing on the lees for between eighteen and twenty-four months, essential for consolidating the structure and defining the aromatic nuances.
History and Curiosities
The winery was founded in 1947 by Roger Pouillon in Mutigny. The non-vintage blend Grande Vallée is its emblem: it combines vintage wines and reserve wines to express the maison’s best quality profile each year. Authenticity is guaranteed on the label by the Fabrice Pouillon Method, a delicate natural secondary fermentation activated exclusively by the sugars in the grapes. The symbol of the willow and its roots celebrates the Pouillon family’s heritage, giving life to a masterpiece awarded 93 points by James Suckling and 91 by Vinous.
Awards
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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.
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91/100
Vinous is the online guide from Antonio Galloni, one of the world's leading wine connoisseurs.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
06 - 08 °C
Longevity:
05 - 10 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 |
|---|---|
| Type | White classic method sparkling wine extra brut |
| Denomination | Champagne AOC |
| Size | 0,75 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 winery was founded in 1947 by Roger Pouillon in Mutigny. The non-vintage blend Grande Vallée is its emblem: it combines vintage wines and reserve wines to express the maison’s best quality profile each year. Authenticity is guaranteed on the label by the Fabrice Pouillon Method, a delicate natural secondary fermentation activated exclusively by the sugars in the grapes. The symbol of the willow and its roots celebrates the Pouillon family’s heritage, giving life to a masterpiece awarded 93 points by James Suckling and 91 by Vinous. |
| Origin | Avenay, Épernay, Festigny, Mareuil, Mutigny (Champagne, France) |
| Production technique | Classic method (traditional method) |
| Wine making | Classic method (traditional method) with blending of wines from the current vintage and reserve wines; fermentation and maturation in small vats and barrels; natural sparkling achieved through a second fermentation using only the natural sugars from the grapes; ageing on the lees for 18–24 months. |
| Aging | Matured on the lees for 18-24 months. |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |