Jacques Selosse, 'Initial' Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne, France, NV

Overview of the Wine
Anselme’s parents carried out their first vinification in 1964. Ten years later Anselme was given the keys to the domain. He thus began his professional career with what would become a lifelong process of observation, trial and error and contemplation in regards to his viticultural methods and practices. This empirical approach to viticulture and vinification is perhaps his most remarkable trait as a winegrower.

From 1990 to 1996 the principles of agro-biology were applied in the vineyards, from 1996 his focus turned to bio-dynamics. In 2002 Anselme distanced himself from the bio-dynamic doctrine, defying the usual codes and processes as he did not wish to have any hand in influencing nature. The thoughts and reflections of Masanobu Fukuoa and permaculture had begun to inspire him and subsequently the attention he pays to the vines and the wine.

For the last twenty years, the Selosse family has developed its own system of viticulture which is an approach that follows no set method, but rather permanently adapts itself to the circumstances confronted throughout the growing season in the various vineyard plots. In order to explain their philosophy pertaining to the vines, Anselme and Guillaume often make references to “gatherers”, those who venture out into nature to reap the harvest and collect the fruit found there:

« “Primum non nocere”. First, do no harm…The Hippocratic Oath…“It is man who perturbs nature the most thus one must refrain from intervening as often as possible ».

As the time draws near to pass the keys to the next generation at Domaine Jacques Selosse, Anselme and Corinne’s son, Guillaume, has, since 2012, been preparing to follow in his father’s footsteps. During the time spent working side by side with his father, he has naturally been developing his own viticultural skills and inclinations which will most certainly lend a unique identity to the wines in the future. The transition and transmission in motion at the domain may be likened to a relay race where the athletes are handing off the baton; the baton of passion for wine, vines and fine food and drink. With great integrity, open-mindedness and vigor, Guillaume is readying himself to leave his own mark upon the family history of dreams, ambition and charisma that are his alone.

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay

Origin
Champagne, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes 
The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Initial presents an intriguing melange of slate, crushed rocks, lemon, white flowers and ash. An utterly vivid, kaleidoscope of aromas and flavors follow as this crystalline, utterly pure wine comes alive in the glass. As is often the case, the Initial stands out for its focus, vibrancy and tension. The Initial is the freshest of the Selosse wines and is therefore a great introduction to the house style. This release is a blend of vintages 2005, 2006 and 2007, from the villages of Avize, Cramant and Oger.

97 Points - James Suckling
Very pronounced and wonderfully complex nose of persimmon, egg yolk, cinnamon, tarte tatin, caramel, mango pastry, apricot tart and spice box. The full-bodied palate feathers a fine line between sheer power, luscious dried fruit and laser-guided acidity. Very long and intense on the finish.

95 Points - Wine Spectator 
This gorgeous blanc de blancs pulls you in with a subtle thread of enticing dried rose and incense accents. Plush on the palate, with pinpricks of effervescence and a rich underpinning of chopped hazelnut and salty minerality, all supporting flavors of quince paste and tangerine and hints of white truffle and herbes de Provence. Long and supple on the clean-cut finish. Drink now through 2034.

95 Points - Decanter
Lovely intense and invitingly rich baked bread aromas lead to a very dry, ripe, rich and powerful palate. Oxidative, fat and autolytic, it has a savoury and honeyed character that's both exotic and hedonistic. There's good mineral acidity to keep the show firmly on the road, but it's not the main component here, and it shows fabulous length on the finish. Definitely a fizz for food.

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Disgorged in May 2021, the latest rendition of Selosse's NV Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Initial is showing beautifully, unwinding in the glass with aromas of pear, dried fruits, confit lemon, fenugreek, fresh bread and toasted almonds. Full-bodied, vinous and complex, it's a rich, fleshy Champagne that's underpinned by bright acids and complemented by a pinpoint mousse, concluding with a long, sapid finish. As usual, this bottling derives from the lower-altitude slopes of Avize, Cramant and Oger, where the soils are richer in clay and yields are higher when compared with the vineyards that inform V. O

Product size: 750ml