Monsieur Meunier
Champagne Eric Taillet is based in Baslieux-sous-Châtillon in the Belval Valley. The domain is composed of 6 hectares of Meunier for the most part (82%), a little bit of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and some forgotten varieties like Pinot Gris, Petit Meslier and Arbane. Eric jokes he was baptised in Champagne and that he became a winemaker as a result.
Founded in 1956, Champagne Taillet marketed its first bottles in 1961. Eric (fourth generation) took over the domaine in 1995 with modern and sustainable ideas while focusing on manual work in the vines. His winemaking philosophy is a little different from what is usually done in the area. He is inspired by the phrase ‘Meunier, tu dors” (Meunier, you sleep) meaning you must leave it alone. The less one intervenes, the better it will express itself. Most of the cuvées are made with Meunier only. Today, Eric works alongside his children Dylan and Léna Taillet.
The Marne Valley, a Champagne sub-region, has a cool, continental climate with moderate oceanic influence, making it suitable for growing grapes that produce high-acidity, low-alcohol wines, particularly Pinot Meunier.
The estate’s philosophy follows an organic system. Passionate about nature and preserving the delicate ecology of the environment, over the years Eric has reduced treatments and procedures, gained certification with HVE (Haute Valeur Environmentale) and VDC, and has begun using organic and biodynamic methods (infusions etc). He prefers not being certified as he enjoys the flexibility and being able to adapt as he goes, particularly in respect of the Meunier. For example, he has just started using viti-forestry (planting trees between the vines).
Egali’T Brut is 95% Pinot Meunier, 2.5% Chardonnay, 2.5% Pinot Noir from approximately 45-year-old vines. Manually harvested grapes are fermented with indigenous yeasts and then aged in stainless steel tanks with about 9 months on lees. After tirage the wine undergoes a period of 36 months maturation sur lattes. This wine is made from a perpetual reserve from 2011 to 2020. Unfined, unfiltered, unsulphured and only 2.5 g/l dosage.
The wine opens boldly with white-fleshed fruit such as pear and peach. Delicate touches of hawthorn, mint and green tea follow and develops into lightly toasted brioche. A beautiful combination of
lemon aromas brings a lively, dynamic palate. An excellent introduction to the wines of this part of the champagne region.
Next is Exclusivi’T. This cuvée is 100% Pinot Meunier with 30% of the wine from a perpetual reserve. Aged for 24 months sur lattes, it is extra brut with 1g/l dosage. Initial impressions of ripe yellow fruits such as apricot and golden plum, also subtle creamy notes of pastry and a hint of acacia. Velvety in the mouth with notes of vanilla, cream, and candied lemon.
Bansionensi is part of the history of the village of Baslieux-sous-Châtillon, from which it takes its Latin name. The village at the heart of the Belval valley, where Meunier is king. A rigorous selection of two vines planted on clay, limestone and flint gives true expression to this 100% Meunier cuvée. The wine is aged in oak barrels for nine months, then a further 48 months sur lattes. Dosage is 1.5 g/l.
This champagne is characterised by its almost exotic fruit and citrus
aromas. Expressive and complex it is smooth, elegant and silky. The palate is clean, bright, structured and long.
NV Egali’T Brut
NV Exclusivi’T Extra Brut
2019 Bansionensi Extra Brut
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Interested in finding out more about the Champagnes of Eric Taillet? Contact us directly:
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