Eliane Delalot Impressions Brut Nature

Tatler Champagne Guide 2024-2025

Grape Makeup:

100% Meunier

Sweetness Level:

Brut Nature

Ageing on Lees:

15 months

Price:

$$$

Cellar:

Five to ten years

Category:

Culinary

What

A tiny sustainable grower based in the western Marne valley, run by mother and son duo Éliane Delalot and Jérôme Lefèvre.

Where

Essômes-sur-Marne, western Vallée de la Marne; 1.45ha of estate vineyards in Charly-sur-Marne, Saulchery and le Mont de Bonneil are organically and sustainably farmed.

Why

Impressions comes from a unique parcel of old-vine (50-year-old) Meunier called “Les Boulards.” The cuvée and the taille, a slightly rougher press fraction, are both used, adding extra layers of concentration, with maturation in used barrique contributing further exotic smokiness to the profile. Only 2,600 bottles were made.

What Else

Lefèvre is an especially cerebral producer, basing his agricultural principles on the work of Austrian architect and spiritualist Rudolf Steiner, German poet and mystic Novalis, French philosopher Bachelard, American naturalist Henry David Thoreau and Japanese farmer-philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka. Cultivation here is done without machines or chemical input,s with hoeing exclusively by horse; the wines are fermented slowly with no additives like sulfites or sugar.

Tasting Notes

This is indulgent, cola-toned stuff, with preserved citrus and cinnamon syrup, lavender, gentian and quinine in a very attractive composition, enticing if quite forceful. The lavender and spice continue on the palate, which has a pillowy oiliness, but is thoroughly infused with fresh acidity, lightly supported by the volatility. The finish is sharp, lightly metallic and noticeably very dry. Best with food.

Try It With

Rich, gravy-rich meat dishes and curries

When To Drink

Hot entrées or main course

Perfect For

Your friend who summers in Provence

Tatler Tip

Don't let the aromas fool you, this talks sweet but drinks very dry

TL/DR

Indulgent and spicy but with sharp edges

Supplier

Deco Wines