France, Champagne, Avize
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Dosage: 3g/L
Ageing: 5 years on lees
This Cuvée is dedicated to my Grand Father Jean FANNIERE who decided, in the 1950s, to no longer sell his grapes and to produce his own Champagne.
The Grand Cru vines used at the time, located on the Cramant terroir, are still used to produce this Cuvée, and are over 50 years old.
(RP=94) Aromas of warm biscuits, crisp peach, yellow citrus fruits and hazelnuts introduce the latest release of Varnier-Fanni_re's NV Extra Brut Cuvee Jean Fanniere Origine, a wine disgorged in July 2017 with three grams per liter dosage. On the palate, it's full-bodied, broad-shouldered and vinous, with ripe but racy acids, considerable depth and concentration, an elegant, pinpoint mousse and a lingering, expansive finish. This is a layered, powerful Champagne with the lowest dosage in the range.
(AG=93) The NV Extra-Brut Cuvee de Jean Fanniere Origine is built on a core of pure vertical structure. Intense, deep and resonant in the glass, the Origine boasts marvelous intensity and breath. The expression of Chardonnay is bold and powerful, with a level of richness that suggests vinification in oak (there is none). This vivid, impeccable Champagne will deliver considerable pleasure for years. The current release is 100% Chardonnay, 70% Cramant and 30% Oger, equal parts 2009 and 2008. Disgorged June 2014. Dosage is 3 grams per liter.
(WS=91) Lightly yeasty, fresh and compact, with flavors of bread dough, lemon zest, yellow apple and smoke. There's crackling acidity, but it's held in check and finds balance while enlivening the wine. The finish of roasted nuts lingers. Disgorged June 2008. Drink now.