In the glass
Aroma: citrus zest, white flowers, iodine, chalk
Palate: crystalline minerality, racy intensity, saline depth, extraordinary length
One of Champagne's most mystical wines, made only in declared years from a single Grand Cru village: citrus and white flowers over iodine and chalk, with crystalline, racy intensity and extraordinary length.
What it pairs with
-
Oysters
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Crystalline saline drive meets the brine of oysters. -
Turbot
Racy minerality and depth frame fine white fish. -
Caviar
Iodine and chalk meet the salt and richness of caviar.
How to serve Salon Cuvee S Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 6-8°C. Cellar temperature (6-8°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a tulip flute. A tulip shape rewards the bouquet better than a narrow flute and frames the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Oysters, Turbot, Caviar. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Eugene-Aime Salon released his first commercial Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs around 1911 and the house has declared only a few dozen vintages since; in non-declared years the fruit goes to sister house Delamotte.
- 1911 — First commercial Salon Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs
Facts
- Producer
- Champagne Salon
- Grapes
- Chardonnay (100%)
- Classification
- AOC Champagne
- Oak
- Stainless steel; single-village Le Mesnil Chardonnay, very long lees ageing
- ABV
- 12.0%
- Price
- EUR 600 to 1100 at retail
- Drinking window
- 15 to 50 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1911
Scores
- Vinous 96 (2008 vintage, reviewed 2021)
Frequently asked about Salon Cuvee S Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs
What does Salon Cuvee S Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs taste like?
On the nose, citrus zest, white flowers, iodine, chalk. On the palate, crystalline minerality, racy intensity, saline depth, extraordinary length. Structurally full-bodied, racy acidity with a long finish. One of Champagne's most mystical wines, made only in declared years from a single Grand Cru village: citrus and white flowers over iodine and chalk, with crystalline, racy intensity and extraordinary length.
When should I drink Salon Cuvee S Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs?
Drink 15 to 50 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Salon Cuvee S Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs?
Oysters is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Turbot and Caviar. Crystalline saline drive meets the brine of oysters.
What grapes are in Salon Cuvee S Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs?
The blend is Chardonnay (100%). The wine is classified as AOC Champagne.