René Geoffroy Empreinte Blanc de Noirs 2016

This Champagne bears the hallmark of the Pinot Noir variety from the heart of the Cumières Terroir. We aim to offer the best expression of Pinot Noir from several different plots of the Terroir each year. This Champagne owes its complexity and its substance to the chalky clay soil and then reveals an elegance that typifies the great Terroirs.

Soil: clay and chalk, with fragments of flint; a selection of very early-ripening plots above Cumières (Barremonts, Demoiselles, Houtrants)

Average age of the vines: 30 years 

Blending: 100% Pinot Noir

Dosage: 1 g/l

Geoffroy's Blanc de Noirs matured on the yeast for six years. The varietal Pinot Noir has a subtle character with multilayered aromatics. Highly elegant and fine fruity, powerful presence on the palate, red and yellow raspberries, fresh citrus notes, very fine bubbles, mineral finish with wonderful length.

VINIFICATION:
Harvested and sorted by hand; pressed on a traditional Coquard wine press; only the cuvée (first
juice of the pressing) is selected; vinification plot-by-plot to 80% in tuns, demi-muid casks and
barrels. Avoidance of malolactic fermentation.

TASTING:
On the nose, a coated, flattering bouquet of a complex palette of aromas of red fruits; airy, bright
and vigorous in the mouth. Boasting great freshness, generous doses of strawberry and
redcurrant dictate, punctuated by hints of fragrant flowers, such as peonies.
It maintains a beautiful balance with a persistent finish.

PAIRING:
By virtue of its power, this Champagne Empreinte complements the expressive flavours of
gastronomic cooking remarkably well. Bresse chicken with morel mushrooms, quail with grapes
or a fricassee of forest mushrooms harmonise perfectly with this Champagne Empreinte, served
at 11-12° C.


PRESS REVIEWS
JAMES SUCKLING.COM - Oct 2016 - 93/100
Bettane & Desseauve 2017 : 16,5/20
Guide RVF 2017 15/20
Guide Gault Millau 2014 : 15/20
Guide Larousse du Champagne 2014 : ****
Tyson Stelzer – Australie – 2014 : 94/100
Wine advocate – USA : 91/100
Vinum 2013 - Allemagne : 16.5/20
Stephen Tanzer’s – USA : 92/100
Burghound – USA : 91/100