Champagne Thierry Fournier, Les Grands Champs, Meunier 2020

A Blanc de Noirs Champagne from 100% Meunier planted in 2002 in Les Grands Champs, a lieu-dit in the commune of Leuvrigny, just north of Festigny where the Fourniers have 0.88 of an acre of vines. Half of this was raised in neutral 228L and 350L Burgundian barrels and half in steel over winter and bottled en tirage in April 2024, to rest on its lees for a minimum of three years before disgorgement. The first production from vintage 2020 saw 2,800 bottles. Dosage: 2.5g. Disgorged in October 2024.

The Les Grands Champs is a perfect match for gastronomy, with a pulpy, fresh palate, balanced between tension and fruity volume marked by vinosity, and a rich, persistent, saline finish. All in all, this is a wine that really asks to be paired with food. The best is to drink it at a higher temperature than usual to release all its complexity, to get a better understanding of the terroir (10-12°) and to accompany racy, creamy dishes, its freshness will completely counterbalance to offer an interesting combination.