JEAN-MARC SELEQUE SOLESSENCE EXTRA BRUT NV

Style: Rocks & Minerals

CellarHand had long been on a fruitless hunt for another top-flight grower Champagne to complement the outstanding Jacquesson wines in our portfolio. What a blessing, then, to chance upon the superb wares of Jean-Marc & Oriane Sélèque during a trip to the region in late 2017. Jean-Marc Sélèque¿s grandfather Henri planted his first vines in Pierry in 1965, a tradition taken up when father Richard began bottling his grower Champagne in the |70s. Jean-Marc himself took over duties in 2008 and began transforming this into the very model of a top-flight grower it is today. The estate has been renamed and the range redefined, while the completion of the new cellar in 2015 is a further statement of intent. Pierry itself is a premier cru village just outside Épernay, known (and increasingly so, with Jean-Marc as flag-bearer) as prime terroir for distinguished Meunier. A further six villages within a tiny radius account for the rest of the fruit. These are: Moussy and Épernay (situated, like Pierry, on the Coteaux Sud d¿Épernay); Dizy, Mardeuil and Boursault in the Vallée de la Marne; and Vertus in the Côte des Blancs. PATRICK WALSH

The NV Extra Brut Solessence 7 Villages is bright, focused and full of energy, not to mention a terrific introduction to these Champagnes and Jean-Marc Sélèque's style. The low dosage of 3 grams per litre gives the Solessence real energy and briskness throughout. Bright Chardonnay top notes meld together with the textural richness of the Pinots in a wonderfully complete, expressive Champagne. Hints of dried flowers, sage, mint, red plum and citrus peel add the closing shades of nuance. Disgorged 2019. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

Region: Champagne, FRANCE

Variety: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Pinot Meunier 

ABV: 12%

Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years. Lic No. LIQP770016424

*We endeavour to ensure the correct vintage is displayed, however some variations may occur in store and for delivered bottles.