SALON Le Mesnil 2012

Champagne Salon comes from a single hectare plot called « the Salon garden » and nineteen other small plots in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger selected by Eugène-Aimé Salon at the beginning of the 20th century. The wines are aged in our cellars for an average of ten years, after which they finally start to reveal their complexity and finesse.

Initially mild-mannered, winter 2012 unleashed its full force in February, with freezing temperatures of minus 10, even minus 20C. Then March came in like a lamb. Tender buds were beginning to emerge, only for April to bring heavy rains with clear, and therefore glacial, nights.
A cold snap during flowering did not help matters, without even so much as a ray of sunshine in the offing. The vines looked pitiful. And then more rain, right up until July. Too much rain. The vines did not take it kindly.
August arrived at last, the hottest month in the calendar, but the first few days were rather too hot: a heatwave! The vines really had been through it all: too wet, then too dry, a paucity of grapes; what would the harvest bring? It began in Le Mesnil on 17th September.
Mother Nature likes to play tricks. Over in the vats, a miracle was taking place, a grand vin was emerging, with the hint of a smile – ‘gotcha!’ The vintage had everything all along: sugars, fine acidity, magnificent potential… the only thing left to do now, was wait. And see the vignerons smile once more. 

SERVING

Taste it and drink it just cool, between 13 and 15 degrees.

AGEING POTENTIAL

Over 15 years.

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: In the glass, the Salon Le Mesnil 2012 appears pale gold, almost transparent, but with a luminosity that reflects its youth and elegance. The effervescence is very fine and continuous, with tiny bubbles that rise in perfect harmony, creating a persistent crown on the surface. Its subtle shine and clarity in the liquid suggest the purity of its Chardonnay grapes, grown in the best plots of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, one of the most prestigious locations in the region. Each movement of the glass highlights the delicacy of the wine, making its appearance as attractive as the promise it holds within.

NOSE: When you bring your nose close to the wine, the first impression is one of vibrant freshness. The first impact offers a spectrum of citrus fruits that includes pink grapefruit, mandarin and lime, combined with the delicate acidity of green apple. Floral notes of orange blossom and a subtle hint of elderberry quickly emerge, adding unexpected complexity. Over time in the glass, the wine's deeper layers begin to emerge: notes of brioche and freshly baked bread, a hint of fresh butter and a light minerality reminiscent of the limestone of the region's vineyards. These aromas intertwine perfectly, creating a sense of ethereal elegance, as if the Champagne soil itself were breathing through each of its nuances. The fragrance is absolutely clean, with an intensity that is never overwhelming, but rather refined and subtle.

TASTE: On the palate, Salon Le Mesnil 2012 begins with a fresh and sparkling entry, but immediately unfolds a creamy texture that embraces the palate. Its lively acidity blends impeccably with its smoothness, giving it a sense of perfect balance between freshness and structure. White fruit flavours such as pear, white peach and citrus are still present, but are nuanced with a deeper complexity evoking almond and the subtle hint of honey. A clear brioche component and a light touch of nutmeg emerge in the background, giving the wine an unexpected but perfectly integrated richness. The highlight is its fine minerality, which provides a saline sensation reminiscent of the purity of the Le Mesnil-sur-Oger terroir.

FOOD PAIRINGS

Extreme purity marries well with crisp minerality. Look to the sea for myriad pairings: imagine a tartar of langoustines, scallops marinated in kombu, or Daurenki imperial caviar.
Or how about a miso-glazed turbot, roasted then served with hollandaise sauce. Or consider the delicacies of the land, such as veal from the Corrèze with white asparagus and morels. There are just a few suggestions to inspire and delight while we dream of Salon 2012…