Voirin-Jumel Champagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru NV – organic
Jean Voirin, who owned some vines and sold all his grapes in bulk, decided to begin bottling his own champagne at the end of World War II. The Jumel family started producing champagne around the same time—René Jumel had a transport business and his wife’s family had some vines that they cultivated. As the champagne market grew, René began selling some of his trucks and buying vineyards around the Côte des Blancs, which his wife, Paulette Richomme, worked and oversaw. Between 1950 and 1970, all the grapes were sold in bulk.
In the early 1970’s, Françoise Jumel (daughter of Paulette and René) began bottling champagne with her husband Gilles Voirin under the name Voirin-Jumel. That year they sold nearly 10,000 bottles. In the 1990s, Françoise’s children, Patrick and Alice, along with Patrick’s wife Valerie, began running the domain.
Today it is a true family affair, and they own 30 acres of vines in 11 different villages (broken down to approximately 10% Cramant, 20% Chouilly, 10% Avize, 5% Oiry, 10% Oger, 10% Mareuil-sur-Ay, 10% Vertus, 15% Verneuil and the remaining 10% in 3 other villages).
Each lot of grapes is vinified separately and each tank goes through malolactic fermentation. In January, the wines are stabilized. Shortly thereafter, the vins clairs (still wines) are tasted and it is determined which lots will be used for each specific release. All the champagnes are given very low dosages, and are aged for 3-4 years minimum, thus ensuring fresh, lower-acidity champagnes that really highlight their varied terroirs. All their production is bottled and sold at the domain.
The Grand Cru NV bottling is composed of 100% Chardonnay from all grand cru vineyard plots, this release is normally a blend of two vintages.
This is a super-fresh and lively style, with a tensile quality that keeps everything focused and driven. On the nose, it speaks loudly of its grand cru origins, with bright citrus, florals, and cool mineral notes. The palate is alleviated from its strong mineral grip by some nice mid-palate fruit intensity and light creaminess borrowed from Cramant. The finish is of medium length. A really enjoyable aperitif-style champagne that is also one of the best values for the money. Great as an aperitif, this champagne also works well at the table with seafood and sushi.
Dosage: 6 g/L