Nicolas Maillart Mont Martin Premier Cru 2019

Nicolas Maillart is one of the brightest shooting stars on the grower Champagne scene these days. Based in the small village of Ecueil in the central Montagne de Reims, the estate's vineyards are all Premier and Grand Cru classified. Although there is evidence of the family's involvement with vine growing going back more than 300 years, there is nothing old school going on here, or, for that matter, any resting on laurels.

The Mont Martin is a single varietal Pinot Meunier from the Premier Cru village of Villers-Allerand. Meunier is commonly known for its soft allure, but is perfectly capable of more structured and savoury expressions, which is exactly what this is. 

The wine was fermented and matured in neutral oak barrels on its fine lees for 9 months, before bottling and secondary fermentation. Disgorged after 3 years, without dosage. The oxidative influence from elevage in barrel clearly shows in the textural breadth and aromatic depth of the wine, though never to a point of heaviness or a lack of drive. Expect an assertive, mineral and saline wine, with scintillating freshness and purity.