R. Pouillon & Fils | Les Châtaigniers | Extra-Brut | Festigny, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | 2019 | Organic
R. Pouillon & Fils is one of Champagne's most exciting and principled grower-producers, based in the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée de la Marne. Fabrice Pouillon farms his vineyards with rigorous organic principles and a deep commitment to expressing the individual character of each parcel — producing wines of exceptional purity, vitality, and terroir transparency.
Les Châtaigniers is a distinctive single-vineyard Champagne from the village of Festigny, situated on the left bank of the Marne Valley in the Vallée du Flagot. The parcel's calcareous clay soils create an especially expressive terroir for Pinot Meunier — a grape that is often underestimated in Champagne but capable of extraordinary depth, structure, and refinement in the right hands and the right site. The clay-rich soils encourage generosity and texture, while the calcareous component contributes freshness, precision, and a firm mineral backbone.
The fruit is harvested by hand and vinified in oak casks ranging from new barrels to vessels up to ten years old, then rested for approximately 18 months in neutral barriques before bottling. Full malolactic fermentation adds roundness and creaminess. Beginning with the 2019 vintage, Pouillon extended his innovative Méthode Fabrice Pouillon to all estate Champagnes — using naturally sweet grape juice from the domaine for the secondary fermentation and dosage rather than externally sourced sugar, preserving a more direct connection between the finished Champagne, its fruit, and its vineyard of origin.
Broad, vinous, and deeply expressive. Aromas of golden apple, quince, ripe pear, and subtle red fruit joined by floral, herbal, and gently savory notes, with hints of flint, warm spice, toasted grain, and earthy minerality. On the palate, the natural roundness of Pinot Meunier is balanced by vibrant acidity and a fine, persistent mousse. Generous fruit and supple texture are anchored by mineral tension, giving the wine both richness and energy. The finish is long, dry, and layered — lingering orchard fruit, chalk, spice, and a delicate reductive character. A gastronomic Champagne with the depth and structure to accompany an entire meal.
Pair with roasted poultry, pork, veal, creamy mushroom dishes, fried seafood, richer fish preparations, washed-rind cheeses, and aged Comté.
-
Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
-
Cuvée: Les Châtaigniers
-
Style: Extra-Brut
-
Appellation: Festigny, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
-
Grape: Pinot Meunier (100%)
-
Vintage: 2019
-
Farming: Organic
-
Soils: Calcareous clay (Vallée du Flagot)
-
Vinification: Oak casks (new to 10 years old); Méthode Fabrice Pouillon
-
Élevage: ~18 months in neutral barriques; full malolactic fermentation
-
Dosage: Extra-Brut (estate grape juice)
-
Bottle Size: 750ml
Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2019
-
WineLens — 95 pts: Complex and distinctive — apple, quince, herbal and floral notes with touches of flint and gentle reduction. Medium to full-bodied with excellent freshness and acidity, beautiful roundness, impressive dimension, and a long finish.
< Show Less
