Gonet-Medeville Cru Blanc de Noirs NV Champagne France 750ml.

Julie and Xavier Gonet-Médeville are, in many ways, the first couple of French wines. Both hail from storied winemaking families: Julie's family is famous for its incomparable Chateau Gilette, and Xavier comes from a long line of Champagne growers in Le Mesnil. Leading a new generation of winemakers, they bring their family knowledge, methods and passion to the many wines they now make together. In 2000, when his family's plots were being divided, Xavier opted for a modest collection of the highest quality 1er and Grand Cru vineyards with a goal of producing only the most exquisite, small-production Champagnes. Champagne Gonet-Médeville's Pinot Noir (Bisseuil and Ambonnay) and Chardonnay (Mesnil-Sur-Oger) are farmed organically, and each parcel is vinified separately to emphasize its individual terroir. There is no malolactic fermentation, and dosage is minute. Julie and Xavier's resulting Champagnes are very elegant, delicate, festive and easy to drink. This estate was born of the marriage of two well-known wine families: Xavier Gonet (from le Mesnil-sur-Oger) and Julie Medeville (from Preignac in Sauternes - most notably Chateau Gilette). The vines, remarkably well-kept (ie. low yields and sustainably-farmed), are located on superb 1er Cru slopes in Bisseuil (this part of the Marne Valley is known for its Pinot Noir), and the two Grands Crus of Ambonnay (great Pinot Noir) and le Mesnil-sur-Oger (the heart of la Cote des Blancs, ie. top-notch Chardonnay). The dosage here is reduced to a minimum, malolactic fermentation is blocked (for vigor and age-worthiness) - all to accentuate purity of expression. 1er Crus Bisseuil, Mareuil-sur-Ay, and Trepail; Grands Crus Ambonnay, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Oger. 5h mostly Pinot Noir and small parcel of Pinot Meunier; 5h Chardonnay - more fermented in barrel for finer bubbles.