In the prestigious French Champagne region, winemaker Francis Orban, continuing the legacy of his great-grandfather, a pioneer of sparkling winemaking in the village of Leuvrigny, creates excellent expressions of the appellation, focusing primarily on Meunier, which finds its ideal habitat in this village.
Francis Orban's Brut Reserve Vieilles Vignes Champagne is produced from 100% Meunier grapes from old, sustainably cultivated vines located in the Sainte-Gemme and Leuvrigny terroirs, part of the Marne Valley. These terroirs are characterized by clayey-limestone and sandy soils dating back to different periods of the Eocene.
The harvest is carried out exclusively by hand, with careful selection to select only perfectly ripe grapes, which are then gently pressed. Vinification involves the use of steel tanks, malolactic fermentation, blending with 50% vin de reserve, and maturation on the lees for at least 36 months.
The Brut Reserve Vieilles Vignes Francis Orban enchants in the glass with its luminous yellow color tending towards gold, enhanced by a refined and persistent perlage. On the nose, the intense bouquet is dominated by inviting fruity aromas such as peach, medlar, apple, quince, raspberry, lychee, and nuances of orange blossom, all enriched by a vibrant iodine note. The pleasant creaminess on the palate anticipates a powerful, dynamic, and refreshingly fresh palate.
A highly gastronomic and versatile Champagne, it pairs perfectly with meat dishes such as veal fillet wrapped in smoked pancetta, fish, and French cheeses such as Langres and Comté, aged for 12-18 months. Surprising when paired with a savarin soaked in peach syrup served with mandarin sorbet.
