JM Sélèque Quintette Chardonnay 5 Terroirs

Tatler Champagne Guide 2024-2025

Grape Makeup:

100% Chardonnay

Sweetness Level:

Extra Brut

Ageing on Lees:

36-48 months

Price:

$$

Cellar:

Up to five years

Category:

Celebration

What

A Coteaux Sud d’Épernay up and comer with an estate distributed over several villages in the Coteaux as well as the Côte des Blancs farmed either biodynamically or organically.

Where

Pierry, Coteaux Sud d’Épernay; 9ha spread over 45 parcels in seven villages primarily in the Coteaux Sud d'Épernay but some in Vertus in the Côte des Blancs, mainly south and southeast facing plots, some with massale selections and an average age of 40 years.

Why

This combination of five Chardonnay sites in Vertus, Épernay, Pierry, Dizy and Mardeuil, planted between 1950 and 1987, coalesces into a platonic ideal of the variety, bringing some of the refinement of a classic Côte des Blancs style but with the heft and structure of the Grande Vallée. The fruit of a single harvest has been blended with 20% reserves from a wooden cask solera, contributing an indulgent maltiness on the back, amplified by lees ageing on cork instead of crown cap.

What Else

The pure Meunier Blanc de Noirs Les Solistes, made from vines planted in the early 50s, is an esoteric, terroir-driven cuvée that starts out quite luscious and then shows its flinty, hard-nosed character by the finish, with sharp, exposed acidity thanks to very low dosage.

Tasting Notes

This starts with a lime seltzer and water biscuit pale greenness, with subtle hints of seashell. There is more richness on the palate, like Meyer lemon with butter biscuit, forming a nice classic House champagne shape: a medium lens with real richness. This develops through the midpalate, rounding into a malty, though not especially sweet, autolytic character on the back. Very refined and polished, it has a satiny texture.

Try It With

Shrimp-based dim sum

When To Drink

Apéritif or chilled entrées.

Perfect For

An elegant pool party

Tatler Tip

This doesn't smell enormously complex at first, give it an chance and take a long sip.

TL/DR

Buttery but polished with a satin texture

Supplier

L'Imperatrice