Champagne Cuvée 3D
So what marks out Maison Lenique wines as being so special? Being small, independent and family run – the emphasis is very much on producing very small quantities of high quality champagne. Unlike many well known Grande Marques who source their grapes from growers from a vast swathe of vineyards across the region, Bertrand concentrates on his 12 hectares of vines situated locally in the Côte de Blancs. He alone is responsible for the quality of the grapes – and this is a key factor in any good champagne. As a dedicated and conscientious viticulteur, Bertrand’s excellent grape quality is always a given.
The Côte de Blanc’s trump card is Chardonnay. We use up to 70% in our Cuvée 3D blend. His vineyards have a perfect south-easterly exposure and are from the chalky, Kimmeridge soils that this grape thrives on. They provide a minerality and liveliness to the wine and give structure for longevity. The rest of the blend is made up of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, providing fruitiness and richness. For this non-vintage, blended in March 2010, 20% reserves from previous vintages were used, which gives roundness and balance to the final assemblage.
Your exclusive Cuvée 3D has a classic, youthful and attractive nose of spring hedgerow, red apple and acacia. In the mouth it is vibrantly fresh with lovely citrus fruits, grapefruit and toasted nuts. The fine, creamy mousse cushions and fills the mouth giving texture and length. The finish is long, elegant and mineral. This NV can be broached early on and yet will benefit from 6-12 months in cellar. Over 2–3 years it will mellow and deepen in colour and develop more complex tertiary aromas and flavours of tobacco, crystallised fruits and white peach.
Always the perfect aperitif, do try your Cuvée 3D with something rather grand like lobster, caviar or oysters. For a less exotic choice try cheese soufflé or prosciutto. It also goes well with oriental foods such as Chinese dim sum and sushi