Domaine Les Monts Fournois - Champagne Grand Cru Côte Cramant 2016

Domaine Les Monts Fournois is run by the talented Juliette Alips. Juliette Alips graduated from Oenology school in Beaune in 2020 and has already gained significant winemaking experience with several renowned producers including Louis Latour in Bourgogne, G.D. Vajra in Piedmont, and in Champagne with Maison Louis Roederer Champagne. She has now embarked on a journey guided by her well-known cousins: Raphael and Vincent Bérêche.

Situated in the northern part of the Montagne de Reims, specifically in the sub-area known as La Grande Montagne, the domaine will center its focus on the Premier Cru Les Monts Fournois.

The inaugural release of the Domaine Les Monts Fournois Monopole will be the 2022 vintage, available in 2027. In the meantime, the domaine will be releasing a range of vintage Grand Cru & Premier Cru Champagnes, sourced from the Bérêche’s family friends’ growers who cultivate renowned vineyards across the Côte des Blancs, the Montagne de Reims, and the Vallée de la Marne.

The Cramant Grand Cru, located within the Côte des Blancs in Champagne, is located south-southeast of the town of Épernay. It is a small sub-region with a mere 351 ha planted to 99.9% Chardonnay and 0.1% Pinot Meunier. Champagnes grown in Cramant tend to be creamier, more concentrated, mineral driven wines, compared to those from neighboring Grand Crus with different vineyard exposures.

"The 2016 Champagne Côte Grand Cru pours a youthful straw hue and opens to aromas of fresh flowers, yellow pear, and Meyer lemon. Focused and more linear in its profile, it has a refined and creamy mousse and a stony, chalky texture. It’s layered and complex on the palate, with fresh citrus and delicate notes of almond. It is going to benefit from another few years in the cellar. Drink 2025-2045.” - 95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

“Bright, effusive and charming right out of the gate. Apricot, white flowers, mint, tangerine oil and marzipan are nicely pushed forward in this soft, open-knit.” - 90 Points, Vinous

Producer: Domaine Les Monts Fournois

Country: France

Region: Champagne

Varietal: Chardonnay

Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru

Vintage: 2016

Size: 750ml