NV Traditionelle Demi-Sec

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Hardly a fussilade-o-sucrose here, but rather a delicate sweetness. You should sneak
in a bottle next time you go for dim-sum. I will! You feel flowers spring up on your
palate. Lots of canteloupe, and paradoxically it seems even more refreshing than the
dry N.V. I mean, the fizz is delicious. Foie terrines yes we all know, but I rather envision
this for unagi, for pan-Asian preps involving mango and other exotic fruits, for salads
with lots of fruit and salt, maybe cantelope and lardons — even slaw. This is the
same wine as the basic NV but disgorged earlier, 12/09, and it’s still immensely attractive
and useful, and the finish coats the palate with wisteria and grape-hyacinth.

This is the same cuvée as the Brut N.V. only with 32 g.l. RS, rather like a Nahe Spätlese; wisteria and plum-blossom; head-turningly pretty and fine-boned; in many ways this is a perfect fusion-cuisine wine, but hardly a mainstream Champagne experience. Can I persuade you to reach for this, just once, when you’re thinking German?

Tasting Notes

Margaine’s NV Demi-Sec Traditionelle reveals an unusual level of balance and finesse for a Demi-Sec Champagne. The wine shows terrific balance and focus in its crisp apples, flowers and sweet baking spices, with outstanding overall balance and great harmony. Disgorged: April 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2013. This small estate is located in Villers-Marmery, on the easternmost reaches of the Montagne de Reims, an area dominated by the presence of red grapes. The particular clone of Chardonnay planted in these parts is believed to be especially perfumed. Wine Advocate (Dec 2009)