Terres Bleues 2022

Planted in 1975 on the top of the Vandières hillside, at an altitude of nearly 180 meters, these vines plunge their roots into sands resting on fossiliferous limestone. Here, the Meunier grape loses all idea of power. It becomes more vertical, more nuanced, almost crystalline. Flavien Nowack does not seek to demonstrate what the grape variety is capable of producing. He simply allows this terroir to make it say something else. The winemaking process accompanies this idea with remarkable discretion. Natural yeasts, aging in small barrels, no fining, no filtration, and no dosage: nothing distracts from the place. The wine progresses calmly, without stylistic effects. When tasted, Terres Bleues possesses that silent elegance characteristic of great wines. The texture is subtle, the bitterness outlines its depth, the salinity prolongs the wine far beyond the last sip. A champagne that never seeks to immediately seduce, but gradually asserts itself as an obvious choice. In our opinion, Terres Bleues is one of the finest demonstrations that Pinot Meunier can compete with the greatest Champagne grape varieties when it ceases to be considered merely a blending grape. Here, it becomes a formidable interpreter of its terroir. Estate Flavien Nowack Winemaker Flavien Nowack Cuvée Terres Bleues Vintage 2022 Appellation Champagne Brut Nature Region Champagne Grape Variety Pinot Meunier Terroir Top of the Vandières hillside (180 m altitude), sands on fossiliferous limestone. Vines planted in 1975. Cultivation Careful parcel work, respecting living organisms, to reveal the identity of this hillside terroir. Aging Fermentation on natural yeasts. Unfiltered, unfined wine. Aged in small oak barrels. Tirage under cork on July 19, 2023. Undosed. Style A champagne that is both ethereal and profound, where Pinot Meunier reveals a slender expression, supported by a delicate texture, refined bitterness, and a long saline finish.