Jacques Selosse Contraste Blanc de Noirs Brut NV (750ML)

95 AG

Selosse's NV Brut Contraste is simply breathtaking juice. Contraste is 100% Pinot Noir from Aÿ, and is named for the contrast of the sites, some of which offer greater warmth and ripeness, while others, richer in chalk, emphasize cool minerality. The wine reveals superb richness and density in its Pinot fruit, yet remains weightless and stunningly perfumed, with silky tannins that caress the palate in an extraordinary display of sheer class and elegance. Close your eyes and imagine an utterly monumental grand cru Burgundy with bubbles, and that is as good a descriptor as any for what is in the glass in this utterly profound wine. Unfortunately Contraste is currently not imported into the US, but may be available in other markets. Italy was the first market to support this wine in a big way, and therefore receives more than half of the production! This bottle was disgorged on October 3, 2007. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

The NV Brut Grand Cru Bland de Noirs Contraste is 100% Pinot Noir from Aÿ and Ambonnay, vintages 2002 and 2003. The wine explodes from the glass with an exotic, liqueur-like expression of rich, ripe fruit. Warm oxidative and honeyed tones add complexity as this large-scaled, dramatic Champagne opens up in the glass. This is an especially rich version of Contraste, most likely owing to the presence of 2003 juice. Ideally, Contraste is a wine best enjoyed at the dinner table, where its decidedly vinous qualities will be best appreciated. Going forward, Selosse has decided to vinify and age the Aÿ and Ambonnay wines separately. It will be fascinating to see how those wines develop. They were highly promising when I last tasted them from barrel about a year ago. Sadly, Contraste is not available in the US, although I hope that will change soon, as I am one of the wine's biggest fans. Disgorged December 3, 2008. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media