# Millésime Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut (2012)

- **Producer:** Champagne Benoit Munier
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €68
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 6–8 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** green apple, pear, white blossom, lemon, pastry, brioche, biscuit, honey, hazelnut, almond

## About this wine

Benoit Munier Millésime Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut 2012 is a single-varietal Champagne made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. These grapes are sourced from Grand Cru vineyards located in the esteemed Côte des Blancs region of Champagne, France. The wine is classified as Extra Brut, indicating a very low residual sugar content. The Benoit Munier estate has a history dating back to the 1930s, with the current generation, Benoît and Séverine Meunier, focusing on developing authentic, high-quality Champagnes through innovative and nature-respecting methods. The 2012 vintage experienced a difficult growing season, but a favorable autumn allowed for the ripening of grapes with notable acidity and flavor concentration.

## Interesting facts

- Made from 100% Chardonnay from Grand Cru vineyards.
- The 'Extra Brut' style means it's very dry, with minimal added sugar.
- The Côte des Blancs is the spiritual home of Chardonnay in Champagne.
- The 2012 vintage faced challenging weather but ended with a strong harvest.

## Food pairing

The wine's high acidity and minerality cut through rich or fatty foods, cleansing the palate. Its delicate Chardonnay character complements the subtle flavors of seafood and shellfish without overpowering them. The dryness of the Extra Brut style makes it a versatile partner for a range of dishes, from briny oysters to richer preparations.

## Wine making process

This Champagne is produced using the traditional method (méthode traditionnelle), which involves a primary fermentation followed by a secondary fermentation in the bottle to create effervescence. The grapes are 100% Chardonnay, sourced from Grand Cru vineyards. The estate employs sustainable practices, including farming without herbicides, and aims to integrate innovative techniques into their winemaking. Extended aging on lees is a common practice for Champagnes of this caliber, contributing to complexity and texture.