# Grande Vallée Extra Brut (NV)

- **Producer:** R. Pouillon & Fils
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Average price:** €77
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C

## About this wine

The Grande Vallée Extra Brut is a signature Non-Vintage Champagne from R. Pouillon & Fils, a family-run grower house established in 1947. This cuvée, formerly known as 'Réserve Brut', has evolved to embody the domaine's commitment to expressive, terroir-driven wines. Located in Mareuil-Sur-Aÿ, within the Grande Vallée de la Marne, the producer, Fabrice Pouillon, meticulously tends to his vineyards using organic and biodynamic practices since 2003. This dedication to vineyard health, coupled with a unique approach to winemaking, results in a distinctive grower Champagne that truly reflects its origins.

## Interesting facts

- This Champagne was formerly known as 'Réserve Brut' before its evolution into Grande Vallée.
- The secondary fermentation in the bottle is uniquely started with unfermented grape juice from the same vineyards.
- R. Pouillon & Fils practices organic and biodynamic farming across its vineyards.
- As a 'grower Champagne', the wine is produced by the same family who cultivates the grapes.

## Food pairing

The Grande Vallée Extra Brut's bright freshness, mineral acidity, and dry profile make it incredibly versatile. It excels with dishes that benefit from a cleansing palate, cutting through richness, or complementing delicate flavors. Its effervescence and acidity are perfect for rich, fatty foods, while its subtle complexity enhances seafood and poultry without overpowering them. The wine's minerality also harmonizes beautifully with earthy notes like truffles and aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

The winemaking for Grande Vallée Extra Brut begins with grapes sourced from Premier and Grand Cru sites in the Vallée de la Marne and Montagne de Reims, grown on clay-limestone soils. Fabrice Pouillon employs organic and biodynamic viticulture, including native yeasts for fermentation. Half of the primary fermentation occurs in neutral barriques, while the other half takes place in enameled tanks. Malolactic fermentation is completed to soften the acidity. The wine undergoes an initial aging (élevage) of 6-8 months before being blended with previous vintages and a 'perpetual cuvée'. Uniquely, the secondary fermentation in the bottle is initiated using unfermented grape juice from the same vineyards, contributing to the wine's distinct character.