La Belle de Juillet Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 2013 Grand Cru

Juillet-Lallement is a boutique Champagne producer based in Verzy, a Grand Cru village in the Montagne de Reims, traditionally known for Pinot Noir. However, their La Belle de Juillet Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 2013 highlights the house’s expertise with Chardonnay, sourced exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards. This cuvée showcases the precision and elegance of Chardonnay in a cooler vintage, with extended lees ageing to enhance its depth and complexity.

The 2013 vintage in Champagne was marked by a cool spring and a late harvest, resulting in wines with high acidity, remarkable tension, and excellent ageing potential. The Grand Cru vineyards, with their deep chalk soils, contribute to the wine’s mineral backbone, while the Extra Brut dosage ensures purity and freshness. This is a Champagne for those who appreciate finesse, structure, and a long, evolving finish.

Appearance: A shimmering pale gold with flashes of green, reflecting its youthful freshness despite its age. Fine, persistent bubbles create an elegant and lively mousse, while its clarity suggests a precise and well-crafted wine.

Aroma: Highly aromatic and refined, with fresh citrus notes of lemon zest and green apple leading the way. Floral hints of acacia and white blossom add delicacy, while deeper layers of chalk, wet stone, and toasted almond emerge with time in the glass. Subtle pastry and brioche notes from extended lees ageing provide depth without overshadowing the wine’s vibrant freshness.

Taste: Laser-focused and crisp, with a racy acidity that carries flavours of Granny Smith apple, Meyer lemon, and pear. The mid-palate reveals a creamy yet taut texture, with underlying minerality giving it precision and drive. Hints of toasted hazelnut, biscuit, and a touch of saline complexity add depth, while the low dosage keeps the wine pure and expressive.

Finish: Long, chalky, and mouthwatering, with lingering citrus zest, crushed seashells, and a whisper of toasted brioche. As the bubbles fade, the wine leaves an impression of elegance, tension, and remarkable ageing potential.

Food Pairing: Perfect with fresh oysters, where the wine’s bracing acidity and mineral notes enhance the seafood’s delicate salinity. Also excellent with Dover sole meunière, as the wine’s crispness cuts through the buttery richness while complementing the dish’s citrus flavours. Aged Comté cheese would provide an intriguing contrast, bringing out the Champagne’s nutty and savoury depth.