Category: | Sparkling Wines |
Sub-Category: | Champagne |
Producer: | Penet-Chardonnet |
Label Name: | Verzy les Epinettes Grand Cru |
Vintage: | 2012 |
Country: | France |
Region: | Montagne de Reims (Verzy) - Grand Cru |
Volume: | 750ml |
ABV: | 12% |
Grape(s): | Pinot Noir |
Acidity: | 5 |
Sweetness: | 1 |
Body: | 4 |
Length: | 4 |
Aroma Intensity: | 4 |
Best Temperature: | 8-10°C |
Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 94/100 (Les Epinettes 2012). Jancis Robinson reviewed favourably (noted youth, oak influence; 16. 5/20 on related cuvées). Disgorgement/dosage details vary by release (examples: disgorged 2023, dosage ~3. 6–5
Tasting Note
Blanc de noirs Pinot Noir with toasted brioche, lemon-curd, quince, orchard fruit and marzipan, backed by chalky minerality, fine mousse and crisp, lively acidity. Age-worthy, concentrated and precise.
Food Pairing
Oysters, smoked salmon, sushi/sashimi, tempura, roast chicken, duck à l'orange, creamy cheeses (Brie), Cantonese roast duck, dim sum, shellfish in cream sauces.
Production Method
Single-vineyard Grand Cru blanc de noirs (100% Pinot Noir); fermented without malolactic, long lees ageing (5–10+ years), low-dosage extra‑brut bottling, small production.
Vineyard Info
Penet‑Chardonnet, family estate (founded 1967) run by Alexandre Penet; ~6 ha concentrated in Verzy/Verzenay Grand Crus, parcel-focused single‑vineyard cuvées from old vines.