Let’s stick to champagne today as well. The Substance from Jacques Selosse is not something that leaves you unimpressed. It shows very well how fascinating the maturation in new oak can be for the characteristics of champagne. It is a Blanc de Blanc – pure Chardonnay – from the producer’s top sites.
Selosse ages it in a solar method, where barrels of older vintages are refreshed with younger wines. It also spends at least six years on its lees before being disgorged.
The result is incredibly complex: lemon, apple, quince, tobacco, nuts, brioche, basil, smoke and a salty mineral finish. Extremely dense, with lots of melting and excellent length with a fine, excellently integrated mousse. Even after a long dinner, it had the weight to impress the round very much. Not for those who prefer delicate wines.
