HUGUES DE COULMET
BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT
In the heart of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger—a coveted spot on the Côte des Blancs known for its prestigious Grand Crus—Champagne winegrowers Yves Moncuit, his sister Nicole, and their daughter Valérie dedicate themselves exclusively to Chardonnay. Together, they manage roughly 30 hectares of vineyards, not only in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger but also in Sézanne, a charming village often seen as a mini-appellation just beyond the Côte des Blancs.
The terroir here tells two very different stories. In Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, the vineyards benefit from soils composed of about 70 to 80 percent pure chalk. In contrast, Sézanne’s vineyards are dominated by a mix of roughly 24 percent chalk and 76 percent clay. This stark difference in soil composition leads to distinctly different wine profiles. The Sézanne vineyards, for instance, favor a style of Chardonnay designed for early enjoyment.
Hugues de Coulmet Blanc de Blancs Brut perfectly embodies this character. It’s a champagne that bursts with freshness and fruit-driven appeal. The aroma unfolds with elegant floral hints and a touch of sage, while the palate delights with nuances of ripe, white-fleshed stone fruits and vibrant citrus. Brimming with energy, the wine strikes a delightful balance—refreshing acidity and crisp minerality interlace with a slightly creamy texture and a fine, persistent perlage.
HUGUES DE COULMET
BLANC DE BLANCS DEMI-SEC
Champagne is typically celebrated for its dry, crisp acidity—a perfect palate awakener as an aperitif. Yet, few realize that, historically, Champagne was far sweeter. Long before the Brut style (with less than 12 grams of residual sugar per litre) came to dominate over three-quarters of exports, this sparkling wine was crafted in a style much closer to today’s demi-sec (boasting between 32 and 50 grams of residual sugar per litre). Back then, when Champagne was the toast of royalty, its lavish sweetness made it an ideal partner for desserts like lemon tart or chocolate cake.
Today, Pierre Moncuit’s rendition of this classic demi-sec pays homage to that rich heritage. Perfect for pairing with familiar desserts or enjoyed on its own as a delicately fruity aperitif, Hugues de Coulmet offers a delightful twist on tradition.
The story of its style is deeply rooted in terroir. While the vineyards of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger benefit from soils composed of 70–80% pure chalk, the lands of Sézanne tell a different tale—with roughly 24% chalk and 76% clay. This contrast creates a distinctive character, favoring an early-drinking Chardonnay that bursts with freshness and vibrant fruit.
Indeed, Hugues de Coulmet is as inviting as it is balanced. On the nose, it unfurls aromas reminiscent of freshly baked bread, toasted almonds, and crisp apples and pears. The palate is an enticing medley of brioche, candied apricots, yellow apples, overripe pears, mirabelle plums, white peach, and a hint of lime juice—all underscored by a lively acidity and fine, persistent bubbles. The dosage of 39 grams of residual sugar per litre delivers just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering its inherent zest, ensuring that this Blanc de Blancs remains charmingly approachable.
In true purist fashion, the 130-year-old Pierre Moncuit house uses only single-vintage Chardonnay grapes grown exclusively on the sandy, chalky soils of the Coteaux du Sézannais. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine matures for 36 months in the cellar—allowing the unique character of both the terroir and vintage to shine through.
DELOS
GRAND CRU BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT
The Pierre Moncuit-Delos Grand Cru cuvée stands out as a remarkably pure Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger offered at an exceptional value. In all honesty, there’s scarcely another wine of such calibre, especially when compared to the consistently high standards set by Nicole Moncuit over the years.
A small Champagne producer with 20 hectares of vines, 15 of which are Grand Cru, speaks volumes about the quality of her wines. This cuvée stands on par with the prestige champagnes of major houses. Crafted entirely from 100% Chardonnay grown in the legendary Grand Cru vineyard of Mesnil-sur-Oger and finished with a restrained dosage, it epitomizes exceptional quality.
In the glass, Cuvee Delos reveals a light golden-yellow hue and an unforgettable bouquet of white flowers, with jasmine and orange blossoms leading the way. Delicate layers of citrus, freshly cut yellow apple, and nectarine mingle with subtle hints of beeswax, fresh bread dough, and lightly toasted almonds—a complexity that promises to evolve beautifully over the coming years.
On the palate, the wine unfolds expansively. It begins with a creamy, elegant texture that gradually gives way to the signature minerality of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The influence of the chalky soil comes through as a vibrant acidity, with citric notes enhanced by whispers of oyster shell and crushed limestone. The result is a champagne that is as fresh and clear as it is energetically alive.
Offering such a refined Grand Cru at under 25 euros is nothing short of extraordinary.