# Verzy 20|4.0 Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut (NV)

- **Producer:** Valentin Leflaive
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €65
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, pear, lemon, raspberry, strawberry, redcurrant, brioche, bread, toast, butter, vanilla, almond, honey, dried apricot

## About this wine

Valentin Leflaive is an extraordinary collaboration born from the friendship between Olivier Leflaive, the legendary Burgundy producer, and Erick de Sousa, the celebrated Champagne grower. This cuvée is crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir grown in the Grand Cru village of Verzy, located in the Montagne de Reims. The unique '20|4.0' nomenclature on the label represents the base vintage of 2020 and the precise dosage of 4.0 grams per liter. This project brings a Burgundian focus on single-parcel expression and meticulous terroir definition to the sparkling wines of Champagne.

## Interesting facts

- A unique partnership combining Burgundian winemaking philosophy with Champagne terroir.
- The label code '20|4.0' indicates the base vintage (2020) and the exact dosage (4.0 g/L).
- Aged partially in oak barrels previously used to age Olivier Leflaive's famous Burgundy white wines.

## Food pairing

As a Blanc de Noirs crafted entirely from Pinot Noir, this Champagne possesses the structure, weight, and subtle red-fruit undertones to pair beautifully with richer dishes. The high acidity and fine effervescence effortlessly cut through the fat of duck, pork belly, or buttery scallops, while the low dosage (Extra Brut) ensures it remains crisp and refreshing without clashing with savory elements.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and gently pressed. Fermentation takes place primarily in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, with a portion of the base wines fermented and aged in used Burgundy oak barrels sourced directly from Olivier Leflaive's cellars in Puligny-Montrachet. This oak influence adds texture and complexity without overpowering the fruit. Following the secondary fermentation in the bottle, the wine is aged on its lees for several years before being disgorged with an Extra Brut dosage of 4.0 g/L.