Jérôme Blin La Varoce 2019

Jérôme comes from a long line of wine growers; the Blin family established itself in Vincelles as far back as 1671. Jérôme’s great grandfather was the first to plant vineyards; later his grandfather took over, producing and selling champagnes initially under his own name, then deciding to create a coop to which he sold 100% of his grapes. The baton passed to Jérôme’s father and now Jérôme and his brother.

The domaine is 5ha of vineyards, which is now split equally between the two brothers. Jérôme personally took over 2.5ha in the late 1990’s and fully converted them to chemical-free farming by 2004. By 2018 he made the decision to operate his entire domain following the principles of biodynamics.

Jérôme has a very free approach which combines ancestral knowhow with a love of experimentation. He loves to experiment, making use of 350l amphorae and 250l wine globes. He works alone, with the help of two horses and a sheep in the vineyard. On the side he also produces his own organic honey.

The two champagnes on offer are both “homage” to his parents who passed away in the 1990’s.

Assemblage: 80% Pinot Meunier 20% Chardonnay
Ageing: On the Lees ( 35 mo.)
Terroir: Clayey silty limestone soil, typical of the Valée de la Marne (Average age of vine: 35 years)
Exposure: South and Southwest
Harvest: Manual Harvest
Disgorgement: December 2016
Dosage:  7 g/L
Bottle Size: Bottle 75 cl

Pale straw yellow color with a subtle reflection. Starts with a pleasant nose with crust of bread then confirms to the sharply sour (Meunier) with a long close backed by a cool acidity. A pleasant surprise.