JM Seleque ‘Solessence’ Extra Brut Champagne

WSI94+ JD92 Coming from the Coteaux Sud d’Epernay with an average vine age of 40 years old, the NV Champagne Solessence Extra Brut is a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 40% Meunier and the rest Pinot Noir based on the 2021 harvest. Pouring a bright straw yellow hue, the nose is layered and inviting, and with aromas of lemon merengue, baked pastry, fresh flowers, and poached pear. The palate is coiled and chalky, with a more citrus-driven profile, a crunchy, bright salinity, and a clean, stony finish. I really enjoy the focus of this wine, and it’s going to be delightful as it opens up a bit more over the coming 6-12 months. Drink 2025-2035. Disgorged in October of 2023, with 2 grams per liter of dosage.
Producer Notes: J M Sélèque stands as a beacon of excitement in the Champagne region, crafting wines that mirror the finesse of top-tier white Burgundy rather than conventional NV Champagne. Under the helm of current winemaker Jean-Marc Sélèque since 2008, the estate has embraced biodynamic principles, parcel-by-parcel vinification, and low yields. Their state-of-the-art winery, completed in 2015, enables a gentle approach with gravity, native yeast, and large barrels for delicate micro-oxygenation. Low dosage preserves freshness, allowing the terroir to take center stage in every sip. The grapes hail from seven distinct villages: Pierry, Moussy, Épernay, Mardeuil, Dizy, Boursault, and Vertus. This Champagne isn’t just easy to enjoy; it’s a delightful revelation of underrated complexity and refreshing vitality.