A difficult vintage, elevated by aging and patience.

The year 2001 remains one of the most difficult vintages in Champagne: frequent rainfall, incomplete ripeness, and unstable weather conditions. Few winemakers chose to declare a vintage. Yet at Louise Brison, the decision was made to vinify this harvest separately.

Made in equal parts from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown on the Kimmeridgian clay-limestone slopes of Noé-les-Mallets, this wine was aged for 8 months in oak barrels, then matured extensively on lees before disgorgement. Unlike most cuvées from the estate, malolactic fermentation was carried out, a rare decision here, but suited to the specific nature of the vintage.

The result is a champagne modest in intensity, but moving in its honesty. The golden hue reveals a well-developed evolution; the palate offers delicate richness, almost unexpected, supported by preserved freshness, the sign of a sincere, living wine.