Remi Leroy Reserve Blanc de Noirs Extra Champagne Brut [2022 Base] (Introductory Price)

Remi Leroy Reserve Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut is a pure, expressive grower Champagne made entirely from Pinot Noir grown in the Cote des Bar. Combining ripe red fruit, vinous depth and chalky mineral freshness, it offers an excellent introduction to the precise and distinctive style of this highly regarded Aube producer.

Remi Leroy returned to his family's vineyards in Meurville after completing graduate studies in oenology and viticulture in Bordeaux. His estate holdings extend across the villages of Meurville, Bergeres and Fontaine, where he farms a selection of carefully chosen parcels using practicing-organic methods.

The vineyards are situated in the Aube, in the southern part of Champagne. This area is particularly well suited to Pinot Noir and is known for its complex clay-limestone soils. Approximately 60% of the fruit for this cuvee comes from Kimmeridgian soils, similar to those found in nearby Chablis, while the remaining 40% comes from the younger and relatively rare Portlandian limestone soils found around Meurville.

The current release is made from 100% Pinot Noir sourced from approximately 30-year-old vines. The blend consists of 85% wine from the 2022 harvest and 15% wine from the 2021 vintage. Combining the two harvests adds complexity and balance while maintaining the freshness and generous fruit of the primary base year.

The grapes are vinified and matured entirely in stainless-steel tanks, preserving the clarity, freshness and natural character of the Pinot Noir. Malolactic fermentation is completed, contributing a supple texture and integrating the wine's naturally bright acidity. The wines are generally bottled without fining or filtration.

Following secondary fermentation in bottle, the Champagne spends approximately 24 months aging on its lees. It is disgorged with an exceptionally low dosage of approximately 1 gram per liter, resulting in a very dry, focused Extra Brut style that allows the fruit and mineral character of the vineyards to remain clearly expressed.

The Champagne opens with aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, red cherry and crisp red apple, followed by notes of blood orange, citrus peel, dried flowers and fresh bread. Subtle hints of almond, chalk and gentle spice emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

The palate is energetic and finely textured, with a lively mousse and an appealing combination of ripe red fruit and citrus freshness. Pinot Noir provides structure, depth and a lightly savory character, while the low dosage emphasizes the wine's pithy texture and mineral precision.

Notes of cranberry, raspberry, orange peel, toasted grain and green almond lead into a dry, persistent finish marked by limestone minerality and a refreshing saline quality. Although immediately expressive, the Champagne has enough concentration and structure to develop additional complexity with short-term bottle age.

This is a versatile Champagne that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or served throughout a meal. It pairs beautifully with charcuterie, smoked salmon, tuna tartare, sushi, roast chicken, pork, duck, mushroom dishes, grilled fish and moderately aged cheeses.

Jeb Dunnuck: 92 Points
A 92-point rating is listed for the current 2022-base Reserve Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut. The wine combines concentrated Pinot Noir fruit with bright citrus, a finely textured mousse and a dry, mineral-driven finish.

Gismondi on Wine: 92 Points
An earlier release was praised for its abundance of fresh raspberry and cherry fruit, supported by vibrant limestone minerality and a precise, energetic finish. The review highlighted the wine's freshness, clarity and ability to pair with appetizers and savory dishes.

Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Champagne
Region: Cote des Bar, Aube
Villages: Meurville, Bergeres and Fontaine
Soils: 60% Kimmeridgian and 40% Portlandian clay-limestone
Vine age: Approximately 30 years
Farming: Practicing organic
Current base blend: 85% from 2022 and 15% from 2021
Vinification: Fermented and matured in stainless steel
Malolactic fermentation: Yes
Lees aging: Approximately 24 months
Dosage: Approximately 1 gram per liter
Style: Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne
Bottle size: 750ml

As this is a multi-vintage Champagne, base vintages, blending proportions, dosage, lees-aging period and disgorgement date may vary by release. Critic ratings may apply to different releases or disgorgements of the same cuvee.