Style
Type
Sparkling
Winemaker
Isabelle and Michel Mathieu-Jacob
Appellation
Champagne
Varieties
Pinot Noir
Viticulture
No use of either chemical weed killers or chemical pesticides and will use a natural pesticide only if absolutely necessary. They don't use chemical fungicides either, but instead use natural alternatives. They recently replanted hedge rows around their vineyard plots in an effort to provide maximum cover to birds and insects, two natural predators of vine pests. They eschew certain practices that are unsuited to their approach to nature, such as countering spring frosts by sprinkling water or by heating the air around the vines with electric or fuel-powered heaters. For the same reason, they do not burn weeds with blowtorches, since that also destroys microbes in the soil and consumes lots of fossil energy. The grapes are harvested by hand in 50 kg free-draining boxes. Plot by plot, they are brought to the winery.
Farming
Organic
Terroir
The soils were formed during the Kimmeridgean phase of the secondary era. They are comprised of calcereous marls, of the type that are also to be found under the vineyards of Chablis and Sancerre. On the slopes, the soils are especially rich in stony limestone elements which help with drainage.
Vineyard
The vineyards of Serge Mathieu are 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. The vines have an average age of 23 years.
The main vineyard, adjacent to the winery and office, is called La Bressoire. It covers three hectares in a single block. Its steep slope faces south southeast and is planted exclusively with Pinot Noir.
A second series of fifteen plots lie on the slope called Bagneux, which is planted with both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The vines lie at the top of this slope where they are less susceptible to frost. The remaining part of the estate is comprised of four long strips on the hill called Couins.
Vinification
Manual harvest. Pneumatic press (by plot). Fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Complete malolactic fermentation. Lightly filtered. Dosage: 8.6 g/l. 100% Pinot Noir.
Aging
5-6 years in cellar on lees.
Available Sizes (L)
0.750
Distribution Area
Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania
Shelf Talkers
Tech Sheets
Tasting Note
The nose is very fruity, showing mainly yellow fruit. On the palate, the feeling is ripe, rounded and succulent. This Champagne has delicious and clear-cut fruit flavors and a long finish. It pairs well with slightly spicy food or dishes with sauce. Will also make the perfect aperitif with salty appetizers. Drink now or cellar for 2-3 years.
2 Commerce Dr. Suite 3 Moorestown, NJ 08057
Office 800.245.0184
Fax 856.985.5848
