Philippe Charlemagne represents the fifth generation of his family to make wine in Mesnil-sur-Oger, from 15 hectares of vines, principally in the villages of Oger and Mesnil-sur-Oger itself. This is from the Côte des Blancs, so very much Blanc de Blancs territory – 87% of Philippe’s vines are Chardonnay and the balance are Pinot Noir. 

Their Champagne House is directly opposite the famous “Salon” Champagne House, widely recognized as one of the very best Champagnes in the world! 

The standout Grand Cru Réserve is from vineyards all in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger. 2017 forms the base vintage with 60% of the cuvee, followed by 40% from the 2016, 2015, and 2014 harvests. It rests for a minimum of 60+ months en tirage before disgorgement and finishing with a 5 g/l dosage. A delicate nose of white flowers and citrus zest leads to toasted brioche and fresh croissant thanks to prolonged aging on lees. In the mouth, the minerality and salinity of Mesnil are expressed with plenty of finesse and freshness, closing with a precise finish full of tension. The energy combined with elegance make for a particularly stimulating apéritif or a perfect partner with holiday seafood preparations like Dungeness crab or Maine lobster.
“The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Reserve is a gorgeous wine laced with minerals, graphite, crushed rocks and bright, citrus fruit. A graceful, elegant wine, the Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Reserve floats on the palate in a focused, beautifully delineated style. The finish is exceptionally elegant and refined. Readers looking for a textbook Blanc de Blancs from Mesnil at an affordable price need look no further.”—Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate