Maison Taisne Riocour : Blanc de Noirs

A powerful yet elegant Blanc de Noirs champagne with earthy nuances

The producer

A family-owned and operated Champagne House, Taisne Riocour Champagne pays hommage to the owner's parents Angelito de Taisne and Claude de Riocour, who first revived the family vineyard, which were founded in 1837. Today, the House is owned and run by their son Charles and his family. The champagnes of the House offer a timeless expression of the French art de vivre, along with a certain elegance, audacity and charm.

The vineyard

The Taisne Riocour Champagne vineyard comprises 20 hectares in Riceys, Champagne's largest AOC area, and home to three different appellations: Champagne, Rosé des Riceys, Coteaux Champenois. The land is divided into eighteen parcels, each with its own unique microterroir. The vines (mostly Pinot Noir) are aged 30 years on average. Since 2016, the entirety of the Taisne Riocour vineyard has been certified High Environmental Value, and recognized for its environmentally-friendly and biodynamic practices.

Maison Taisne Riocour Blanc de Noirs, specifically, is made with fruit from three different plots of the House. While grapes from the Pragnon and Val Germain vineyards offer a palate of great depth and length, fruit from the Tronchois plot contributes a power and elegance to the blend. The grapes are harvested early, resulting in fresh floral aromas and touches of mint in the finished champagne.

The vinification and aging

The cuvées of the Taisne Riocour Champagne House are elaborated in the estate's own winery, which was inaugurated in 2012.

The Maison Taisne Riocour Blanc de Noirs champagne is made with 10% reserve wines and aged for 3 years in the estate's traditional cellar. It is dosed with only 3.5 grams of sugar per liter. This is a limited edition champagne, with production at only 2,000 bottles per year.

The blend

100% Pinot Noir

The tasting

Color

This Blanc de Noirs champagne displays a bright golden yellow color in the glass.

Nose

The nose first reveals aromas of juicy stone fruits, like Mirabelle plums, followed by earthy touches of humus, undergrowth and mushrooms. Freshly baked pastries, candied orange peel and dried flowers come next, leading to touches of sweet spices and a chiselled minerality.

Palate

On the palate, this champagne is tender yet rigorous, with a perfect balance between fruity and earthy flavors. The finish offers an elegant marine freshness.

Food and wine pairing

The Maison Taisne Riocour Blanc de Noirs champagne will pair beautifully with Oysters Casino, a tartar of fresh sea bream or razor clams served with lemon and dill.