Les Monts Fournois Cote Cramant Grand Cru 2016 (750ML)

90 VM

The 2016 Champagne Cote is bright, effusive and charming right out of the gate. Apricot, white flowers, mint, tangerine oil and marzipan are nicely pushed forward in this soft, open-knit Champagne from vines in Cramant. Drink it over the next handful of years. Dosage is 3.4 grams per liter. Disgorged: September 2022. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Brothers Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche have decided to focus on their core holdings and wines. As part of this change, they spun out their vineyards in Les Monts Fournois and created a new estate that is being run by their cousin, Juliette Alips, whose resume includes stints at G.D. Vajra, Roederer and Château Latour.

The Monts Fournois range will encompass Coteaux Champenois and Champagne. I was able to taste the first vintages of the Coteaux for this report, but it will be some years before the Champagnes are released. During this transition period to a fully estate winery, Les Monts Fournois will also market the Cote series of négociant Champagnes the Bérêche brothers introduced a few years ago. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

The Cramant Grand Cru, located within the Côte des Blancs in Champagne, is located south-southeast of the town of Épernay. It is a small sub-region with a mere 351 ha planted to 99.9% Chardonnay and 0.1% Pinot Meunier. Champagnes grown in Cramant tend to be creamier, more concentrated, mineral-driven wines, compared to those from neighboring Grand Crus with different vineyard exposures.

Precise and delicate first nose with a lot of purity, some notes of linden flower, with hints of candied lemon. The energic and harmonious palate, combined with creamy bubbles. The texture is powdery and long, with notes of lemon zest. The beautiful intensity of the lees allowed by 6 years of aging in the cellar. Initial aromas of zesty meringue aromas are balanced and delicate, with a bit of raciness, a signature of the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs.

This 2016 benefits from the place, Cramant brings its elegance and height, underlined by an intense crumbly chalk at the end.