Moussé Fils
Les Fortes Terres Champagne Pinot Meunier
Champagne, France
Raising a glass to this masterclass in Meunier.
This wine is made entirely from the Meunier grape—the workhorse behind many cuvées across the region of Champagne. Far less frequently do you see it taking center stage.
For Cédric Moussé, Meunier is a protagonist in the bottle, delivering an expression that is full of life, pleasure, and conviviality.
Cédric is a fourth generation winemaker (and twelfth generation grower) at Champagne Famille Moussé, a Grower-Producer, based in Cuisles on the right bank of the Vallée de la Marne.
He’s a champion of the Meunier grape, biodynamic and sustainable practices, harnessing solar energy to power estate and geothermal temperature control systems, with animals roaming amongst the vines, a natural (and adorable) solution to weed control.
This past summer, the estate suffered a devastating fire. Our hearts remain with them as they rebuild and restore but much was lost in the fire. It was heartwarming to see the community respond, demonstrating so much love for this family from across the globe.
It’s hard to believe this beautiful wine comes from the challenging 2021 vintage which speaks to the power of a healthy land and vine.
“Les Fortes Terres” is the name of the lieu-dit from which this wine hails, sitting above a layer of distinctive green clay soil mixed with limestone and marl, thought to give Meunier a rare, vibrant tension and saline minerality.
It aged 47 months sur lie, finally disgorged with 3 g/l dosage, embracing the vintage as it was without artifice or makeup.
In the glass is a beautiful autumnal energy with notes of crisp red apple, Anjou pear, cider, fruitcake, citrus blossom, toast, brioche, pie crust, wet stones, and oyster shell. The mousse is fine and creamy, the acidity is precise, and the finish lingers.
Raising a glass to this masterclass in Meunier.
This wine is made entirely from the Meunier grape—the workhorse behind many cuvées across the region of Champagne. Far less frequently do you see it taking center stage.
For Cédric Moussé, Meunier is a protagonist in the bottle, delivering an expression that is full of life, pleasure, and conviviality.
Cédric is a fourth generation winemaker (and twelfth generation grower) at Champagne Famille Moussé, a Grower-Producer, based in Cuisles on the right bank of the Vallée de la Marne.
He’s a champion of the Meunier grape, biodynamic and sustainable practices, harnessing solar energy to power estate and geothermal temperature control systems, with animals roaming amongst the vines, a natural (and adorable) solution to weed control.
This past summer, the estate suffered a devastating fire. Our hearts remain with them as they rebuild and restore but much was lost in the fire. It was heartwarming to see the community respond, demonstrating so much love for this family from across the globe.
It’s hard to believe this beautiful wine comes from the challenging 2021 vintage which speaks to the power of a healthy land and vine.
“Les Fortes Terres” is the name of the lieu-dit from which this wine hails, sitting above a layer of distinctive green clay soil mixed with limestone and marl, thought to give Meunier a rare, vibrant tension and saline minerality.
It aged 47 months sur lie, finally disgorged with 3 g/l dosage, embracing the vintage as it was without artifice or makeup.
In the glass is a beautiful autumnal energy with notes of crisp red apple, Anjou pear, cider, fruitcake, citrus blossom, toast, brioche, pie crust, wet stones, and oyster shell. The mousse is fine and creamy, the acidity is precise, and the finish lingers.