Pierre Gimonnet et Fils, 'Spécial Club' Cramant Grand Cru, Champagne, France, 2016

Overview of the Wine
The story of Champagne Gimonnet is, in fact, “Pierre Gimonnet et Fils... et PetitsFils”, as the grandsons of the founder, brothers Olivier and Didier Gimonnet are the custodians of this family House in the Côte des Blancs. The Gimonnet family can be traced back to 1750 growing vines around the village of Cuis, south of Epernay, but it was between the wars that Pierre Gimonnet set up the winery that allowed him to become a grower-producer, specialising in Blanc de Blancs. Pierre Gimonnet was succeeded by his son Michel, whom his sons credit with a hard-working modesty but an obsession with quality of winemaking and a passion for the vines he spent his life walking and working between.

Olivier and Didier worked with their father for a decade until his retirement in 1996 (he died in 2008), and have continued, and improved on, his work for over 20 years.

Michel’s understanding of terroir led him to acquire parcels beyond Cuis and into neighbouring Cramant and Chouilly. His sons have continued this principle, expanding into Oger in 2005 and as far south as Vertus in 2008. The House now has 40 separate parcels across 28 hectares – 16ha of Premier Cru and 12ha of Grand Cru – all in the Côte des Blancs. The one geographical limit they have set is the bounds of the Côte des Blancs because it is determined to explore the variety of expressions of Chardonnay and achieve excellence in its different characteristics.

Sustainable.

Grape / Blend
100% Chardonnay

Origin
Champagne, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
This cuvée is the result of a very careful job at all stages of elaboration. The blending, made exclusively with Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, is a delicate blend from old vineyards over 40 years old, the oldest were planted in 1911 and 1913. The Special Club is mainly composed of "hearts of each terroirs" of Cramant Grand Cru, completed by Chouilly "Montaigu" and a touch of Cuis 1er cru to bring freshness, signature of Pierre Gimonnet & Fils style.

95 Points - James Suckling
Deep nose of preserved and candied lemons with bread dough and toasted baguette. Concentrated and well structured, but the chalky minerality and the lively fine mousse give this a wonderful brightness and energy. Long really crystalline finish. From vines planted between 1911 and 1982 in the Terres des Buissons, Bauves and Champ de Prevot sites. Bottled in April 2017 and disgorged in November 2022. Drink or hold.

Product size: 750ml