Premier cru les coupes franc de pied 2018 (Champagne Nicolas Maillart)

Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. Serve chilled. The esteemed Maillarts have been growing grapes since at least the 1500s and today the family estate in the Montagne de Reims is run by the ninth generation represented aby Nicolas Maillart. Nicolas has a well-deserved reputation for crafting excellent Grower Champagnes from his 16 hectares of vineyards which include many prized Grand Cru and Premier Cru sites. This sensational Premier Cru is a "Franc de Pied" Champagne, referring to the fact that the Pinot Noir vines used were planted in 1973 aby Nicolas’ father on their own roots. This unusual practice was made possible aby selecting vines that had resisted the phylloxera disease and could thus survive without being grafted onto other rootstock as is typical in European viniculture. To add extra complexity and a luscious creamy texture, Nicolas vinifies the Champagne in wooden vats before completing the second fermentation in the bottle with an extended final maturation period. Bursting with tiny, elegant bubbles, the sophistication of this Premier Cru is obvious from the very first sip with enticing stone fruit and citrus notes mingling harmoniously with hints of toast, apricot jam, vanilla, and winter spice. A magnificent celebratory Champagne or classic partner for seafood, sushi, or a generous cheese plate.