Champagne Brut
Grand Millésime Magnum 1996

The Champagne Grand Millésime by Corbon represents the highest expression of this small Avize estate, a Blanc de Blancs cuvée conceived to tell the potential of great years through the patient filter of time. The grapes come mainly from Grand Cru classified vineyards of the Côte des Blancs, where the chalky subsoil brings tension and drive, while craft-driven work in the vineyard, free from pesticides and herbicides, allows the wine to convey depth, elegance and character with sincerity.

This edition in Magnum format, Vintage 1996, comes from a legendary year, remembered in the history of Champagne for its rare combination of high ripeness and very high acidity, the result of a cool summer and a bright, dry September caressed by northerly winds. Vinification and fermentation are carried out with indigenous yeasts, without malolactic fermentation, filtration or fining, while after tirage comes an extraordinary ageing on the lees of 28 years, which gives the wine rare depth and complexity.

On tasting, the Grand Millésime 1996 shows a brilliant golden colour and a fine, delicate mousse, opening on a deep and layered nose, where candied citrus, dried fruit and honey weave together with notes of brioche, toastiness and a subtle chalky hint. On the palate the vintage's celebrated acidity keeps the tension intact, supporting a broad and silky texture that unfolds with balance towards a very long, saline finish of extraordinary persistence.