Liebart-Regnier L’Enclos Petit Meslier Brut Nature, Champagne, France

Description

The Liebart-Regnier L’Enclos Petit Meslier Brut Nature, Champagne, France, is a rare expression of one of Champagnes most historic and underappreciated grape varieties. Sourced exclusively from the L’Enclos parcel beneath the Chteau de Blanche de Castille in Vauciennes, this mono-varietal bottling showcases the brilliance and future promise of Petit Meslier, particularly in the context of a warming climate. It is a testament to both innovation and tradition, offering a precise, textured, and terroir-driven Champagne.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: 100% Petit Meslier
• Soil Type: Marl and clay-limestone
• Harvest Date: August 31, 2019
• Fermentation & Aging: Spontaneously fermented in oak barrels, aged 2.5 years on lees
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Dosage: 0 g/L (Brut Nature)
• Alcohol Content: 12%
• Certification: HVE (since 2015), VDC (since 2018), organic conversion since 2020
• Closure: Cork
• Winemaker: Laurent Libart
• Owners: Laurent and Valrie Libart

Sensory Description:

On the nose, this Champagne opens with delicate smoky and toasted aromas followed by layers of Williams pear, lily of the valley, and candied lemon. The palate is expansive yet focused, marked by notes of citrus, refined bitters, and lemon zest. The saline finish draws out the wine’s remarkable length and finesse. There is a distinct energy and purity to this cuve that underscores the potential of Petit Meslier in the modern era.

Winemaker’s Background:

Maison Liebart-Rgnier is a multi-generational family estate based in Baslieux-sous-Chtillon, with over seven generations of vine cultivation history. Established in 1960 by Lucien Libart and Georgette Rgnier, the domaine is today run by Laurent and Valrie Libart alongside their daughters Alexandra and Marion. Known for their environmentally conscious viticulture and terroir-transmitting wines, they are among the leaders in sustainable Champagne production.

Serving Suggestions:

This wine should be served at 1012C in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass to best showcase its aromatics and minerality. It pairs beautifully with goat cheese and spinach puff pastry, soft-rind cheeses, or even more adventurous fare like an apricot tart with rosemary. Its structure and vibrancy also make it a superb apritif.

This bottling of Liebart-Regnier L’Enclos Petit Meslier Brut Nature is an exceptional example of Champagnes evolution, an elegant, complex, and sustainably crafted wine that bridges history with modern precision.