Les Terres Froides is a precise and mineral-driven Blanc de Blancs from a distinctive single vineyard in the village of Tauxières-Mutry, within the Montagne de Reims. Produced entirely from Chardonnay, this Extra-Brut Champagne reveals the cool, chalky character of one of Fabrice Pouillon’s most remarkable vineyard sites.
The Terres Froides parcel forms part of the lieu-dit Les Fourches, situated southwest of Tauxières-Mutry and close to Tours-sur-Marne. Fabrice Pouillon farms approximately half a hectare here. The vineyard’s northern exposure and cool microclimate contribute to a long, gradual ripening season, preserving freshness, acidity, and aromatic precision in the grapes.
Tauxières-Mutry was historically awarded a 99% rating under the échelle des crus classification, placing it just one point below Grand Cru status. The soils in this parcel contain a higher proportion of chalk than those located closer to the village. This chalk-rich terroir, combined with the cool conditions, provides an exceptional environment for Chardonnay.
The vineyard is farmed organically, with Pouillon incorporating biodynamic principles throughout his work. His approach emphasizes healthy soils, balanced vines, careful observation, and minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard’s natural character to remain at the center of the finished Champagne.
The wine is vinified using a combination of neutral barriques and traditional enameled tanks. It undergoes malolactic fermentation and is raised for approximately eight months before bottling. This restrained approach preserves the freshness and saline character of the Chardonnay while adding subtle texture and complexity.
In the glass, Les Terres Froides offers aromas of lemon zest, crisp green apple, white peach, pear, and delicate white flowers. As the wine opens, notes of crushed chalk, oyster shell, fresh bread, and subtle spice emerge.
The palate is taut, focused, and beautifully delineated. Bright citrus and orchard-fruit flavors are carried by vibrant acidity and a fine, persistent mousse. A pronounced chalky minerality gives the wine tension and length, while the Extra-Brut dosage keeps the finish dry, refreshing, and exceptionally precise.
Compared with Pouillon’s broader and more powerful Blanc de Blancs bottlings, Les Terres Froides is particularly defined by its energy, purity, crispness, and salinity. It is a refined expression of cool-climate Chardonnay and a compelling example of the mineral character of the Montagne de Reims.
Delicious beyond measure. For Chablis drinkers. For those who would rather begin a meal with oysters and end it with nothing but a refill. This is Champagne at its absolute finest.
This is an excellent Champagne for the table and a natural partner for oysters, shellfish, caviar, sushi, grilled fish, scallops, goat cheese, fresh cheeses, and lightly prepared poultry.
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Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
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Cuvée: Les Terres Froides Blanc de Blancs
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Vintage: 2020
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Country: France
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Region: Champagne
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Appellation: Montagne de Reims
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Village: Tauxières-Mutry
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Vineyard: Les Terres Froides, a lieu-dit of Les Fourches
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Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
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Soil: Chalk-rich clay-limestone
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Exposure: Northern
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Farming: Organic with biodynamic principles
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Vinification: Neutral barriques and enameled tanks
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Élevage: Approximately eight months before bottling
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Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
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Style: Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut
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Alcohol: 12%
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Wine Type: Champagne
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Bottle Size: 750ml
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