Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Fleuron Premier Cru Champagne 2009

Often described as artisanal winemaking, Grower Champagnes are made by independent Champagne Houses from grapes that they grow in their own vineyards. This all-encompassing method of Champagne-making allows the winemaker to truly understand the relationship between the grape and the terroir.

Pierre Gimonnet et Fils only grow Chardonnay in their three vineyards and in this vintage Champagne you can taste the character of all three of; a rich full palate gives way to flavours of peach and fresh green apples which finishes with a zip of bright acidity.

To bring together all of these flavours in harmony takes real skill and, luckily, this is something that the Gimmonet team have in abundance.

Champagne Pierre Gimonnet et Fils boasts 25 hectares across three vineyards; Cuis Premier Cru, Cramant and Chouilly Grand Cru. The Gimonnet family have been a part of the history of Champagnes vineyards since 1750. The vineyards are now managed by Didier and Olivier Gimonnet, who have inherited the centuries of knowledge that has been passed down through the generations.

Pierre Gimonnet et Fils are proud to be an independent grower. The Champagne that they produce is made from grapes harvested in their own vineyards; this gives them the ability to focus on the terroir and reflect the relationship between the terroir and the Chardonnay grape in their wines. There are 16 Premier Cru and 12 Grand Cru Gimonnet vineyards located in the Côtes des Blancs and they are all grown solely with Chardonnay. The Chardonnay that they grow is some of the best in the region.

Fleuron is a blend of wines from all three of the Gimonnet vineyards and almost half is made up from grapes from Chouilly Grand Cru vineyard. The wine spends extended time on its lees which adds even more richness and a hint of nuttiness. Crispness and acidity comes from the 23% of grapes harvested from the Premier Cru Cuis vineyard. Fleuron is a beautifully balanced cuvée which reflects one of Épernays finest vintages; it is richly nutty with flavours of peach and green apples and just a zip of acidity, with an elegant finish.