Champagne Clos Rocher Millésimé 2014 - Gremillet

The Single-Plot Excellence of Clos Rocher: The Essence of Pinot Noir in Les Riceys

The Champagne Clos Rocher Blanc de Noirs 2014 represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and the absolute prestige cru of maison Gremillet. This rare vintage selection originates exclusively from a single historical walled plot, the "Clos Rocher," located in the renowned area of Les Riceys within the Côte des Bar. In this specific terroir, Pinot Noir expresses a verticality, structural power, and elegance that are unique on the continental landscape. The protected microclimate of the Clos and the geological composition of the slope promote a slow ripening of the clusters, which accumulate an excellent polyphenolic concentration and complex aromatic precursors, resulting in a monumental cuvée designed to defy time.

Oenological Protocol: First Pressing and Ultra-Long Lees Aging

The processing of the 2014 harvest applies the strictest standards of high-level sparkling winemaking. For the production of the cuvée, only the free-run juice from the gentle first pressing is extracted, completely excluding subsequent fractions. The primary biological processes develop at differentiated temperatures within temperature-controlled stainless steel vats: alcoholic fermentation is completed at 16°C, while the monitored malolactic fermentation takes place at 18°C to stabilize the mass and soften the vibrant acidic backbone. The evolutionary pathway involves a rest in the darkness of the cellar extending for a full 7 years (84 months), promoting a deep cellular autolysis. The final dosage is set at 7 g/l, utilizing a top-tier liqueur d'expédition crafted from reserve wines.

Sensory Profile of the Champagne

The interplay between the marly-limestone soils of Kimmeridgian matrix and the prolonged aging on the lees outlines an organoleptic profile of commanding tertiary complexity.

• Blend and Alcohol Content: 100% Pinot Noir / Champagne AOC Millésimé / 12.50% ABV / Residual Sugar: 7.00 g/l (Brut Dosage) / Aging: 84 months on the lees.
• Appearance: Intense and brilliant golden yellow color, crossed by warm copper reflections and a very fine, tight perlage of regal persistence in the glass.
• Nose: Broad, deep spectrum of rigorous varietal precision. The nose reveals consistent hints of small, crisp red fruits, currant, pomegranate, and bitter orange peel, integrated with elegant notes of pastry, toasted hazelnut, melted butter, and fragrant bread crust.
• Palate: The palate reveals a voluminous, dense character endowed with extraordinary verticality. The mid-palate shows a full and enveloping body, where fruity freshness meets a vigorous polyphenolic texture. The sip progresses toward a long, savory, and impeccably clean finish, leaving a persistent mineral trail.

Serving Guidelines and Food Pairings

The structural depth and aromatic richness of this vintage Blanc de Noirs qualify it as a high-end bottle for fine dining and signature cuisine.

• Perfect Pairings: Pairs magnificently with great land and seafood dishes, duck breast à l'orange, veal fillet en croûte, roasted pigeon, Alba white truffle, and noble fish baked or cooked en papillote.
• Prestigious Pairings: Finds excellent harmony when accompanied by oysters au gratin, caviar, and selections of aged, hard cow's milk cheeses such as Comté.
• Serving Recommendations: To promote the development of the extremely rich tertiary aromatic profile, we recommend using a wide tasting glass and a serving temperature of 10 - 12°C.