Marie Demets Intransigeance 2017
A terroir-focused grower in the Aube, working plot by plot with pinot vines planted in the 1950s
Grape Makeup:
56% Pinot Noir, 44% Chardonnay
Sweetness Level:
Extra Brut
Ageing on Lees:
40+ months
Price:
$$
Cellar:
Up to 5 years
Category:
Culinary
Photos
What
A terroir-focused grower in the Aube, working plot by plot with pinot vines planted in the 1950s.
Where
Gyé-sur-Seine, Côte des Bars; 10 hectares (70% pinot noir, ~30% chardonnay and one plot of pinot blanc) in Gyé-sur-Seine, Neuville-sur-Seine, Courteron, Polisy and Buxeuil.
Why
This vintage cuvée is representative of the estate, containing a range of the different sites farmed by the domain and more pinot than chardonnay. Only 2,772 bottles were produced of the 2017, a challenging vintage, but the results are beautiful – concentrated and exotic but balanced.
What Else
The 2018 Intransigeance, which should hit the market soon, was produced in much larger quantities so should be easier to get hold of if you miss out on 2017
Tasting Notes
Powerfully sweet, almost tropical fruit – ripe apricot that’s heading toward pineapple – has a subtle smokiness that recalls walking into a traditional Chinese herbal shop (ginseng and camphor). On the palate the acidity balances the fruit beautifully; though the structure is very broad and generous, there is a fine mesh of acidity holding in all the oiliness and flavour potency. The finish is slippery and clean.
Try It With
Smoky or herb driven dishes; Yunnan dishes.
When To Drink
Entrées.
Perfect For
The friend who sees a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner whenever they're feeling under the weather.
Tatler Tip
This has a rather esoteric flavour profile; not for beginners!
TL/DR
Broad and tropical with a medicinal edge,
Supplier
Fine Wine Experience
