Vilmart & Cie : Grand Cellier Brut

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Grand Cellier Brut NM Vilmart & Cie

The Grand Cellier Brut NM shows a bright golden-yellow hue, enlivened by a fine and persistent stream of bubbles that forms an elegant, long-lasting mousse on the surface.

The nose opens on a cool, mineral impression reminiscent of sun-warmed stone, quickly followed by juicy citrus notes of mandarin and a touch of bergamot. These fresh accents give way to a delicate floral layer of white flowers, before sweet spice notes of star anise and exotic wood add depth and complexity to the bouquet.

The palate is both fresh and deep, built on a creamy yet taut texture that balances richness with tension. A vibrant acidity runs through the wine, supported by a true vinous character, while the finish lingers with gentle spice and yellow fruit nuances, closing on a clean, mineral-tinged note.

This Champagne pairs beautifully as an aperitif, and also shines alongside dishes with a creamy texture or delicate seafood, such as fine fish and shellfish preparations.

The Grand Cellier Brut NM is best served at a temperature of around 8 to 10°C. It can be enjoyed on release, taking full advantage of its lively freshness and aromatic precision.

This Champagne is produced in the Brut style, with a dosage of 8 g/l. The fermentation does not include malolactic conversion, which preserves a crisp, structured acidity throughout the wine.

Founded in 1890 in Rilly-la-Montagne by Désiré Vilmart, Vilmart & Cie is a family-run Champagne house now in its fifth generation. Today it is led by Laurent Champs, winemaker and cellar master, joined by his children Thomas and Morgane. The estate farms 11 hectares, entirely classified Premier Cru, with a notably chardonnay-dominant plantation unusual for this part of the Montagne de Reims. Vilmart & Cie remains a grower Champagne house, vinifying only its own grapes.

The grapes used for this cuvée come from Premier Cru vineyards located in Rilly-la-Montagne and Villers-Allerand, in the Montagne de Reims. The plots lie within a compact radius around the winery, allowing close monitoring of the vines throughout the growing season.

As a non-vintage Champagne, the Grand Cellier Brut NM is built on the 2022 harvest, complemented by reserve wines from the 2020 and 2021 vintages, giving the cuvée a consistent and layered profile across multiple growing years.

The grapes for the Grand Cellier Brut NM are harvested by hand and pressed using a traditional vertical wooden press. The wine is then vinified and aged for ten months in large oak foudres, without malolactic fermentation, before being bottled for its second fermentation.

This cuvée is a blend of 70 % chardonnay and 30 % pinot noir.