Famille Moussé Eugene Longue Garde Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut
| Category | Sparkling Wine |
| Varietals | |
| Brand | Famille Moussé |
| Origin | France, Champagne, Vallée de la Marne |
This zero dosage Blanc de Noirs Champagne was first created by the house's founder, Eugène Moussé, 100 years ago. This perpetual cuvée is a nod to the family's history, and 'Eugène' demonstrates Meunier's ability to age while retaining all of its freshness and tension.
A grower since 1750, Champagne Famille Moussé sits in the village of Cuisles, in a valley perpendicular to the Marne river. This village is know for a unique terroir in Champagne: a thick band of green clay that sits under sand and various other soil types. This special clay, known as “Illite” and is used in cosmetics, gives the Meunier at this benchmark domaine an almost Chardonnay-like quality, with a lift and texture not often seen with this variety.
There are few vignerons who are as committed to environmental sustainability as 4th generation winemaker Cédric Moussé. Under his leadership, the winery has undergone a complete overhaul with the goal of reducing its carbon footprint. He has solar panels that power the cellar, tasting room, and 2 houses on the property, while geothermal energy moderates the temperature throughout the winery. Pigs, chickens and sheep roam the vines, serving as natural stewards as they turn the soil and feast on weeds. Everything at the domaine is done with an eye towards maximum sustainability.
Harvesting at the estate is done exclusively in very small crates (a painstaking, labor-intensive process that protects the grapes from being crushed prematurely) and only stainless steel is used in the cellar. Through his elite-level farming and winemaking, Cédric is able to produce Meunier with a class and elegance that is rarely seen in Champagne, and has been rewarded with a reputation as one of the finest growers in the entire region.
- Practicing organic
- 80% Meunier, 20% Pinot Noir
- 70% 2022, 30% perpetual blend 2003-2021
- From Cuisles, Jonquery, Châtillon-sur-Marne
- 40+ year old vines
- Yes malo
- Fermented and aged in stainless steel
- Aged 18+ months on the lees
- Dosage: 0g/L
Jeb Dunnuck
- jd92
Made from 80% Meunier and the rest Pinot Noir, 50% of the NV Champagne Eugene Longue Garde Extra Brut comes from 2019, and the rest from 2003-2018, all fermented and aged in stainless steel. Bright yellow, it opens to notes of yellow plum, red berries, orange blossom, and bread dough. The palate is pointed and bright with focused acidity, its note of savory bread dough taking the lead on the palate, followed by a brothy finish. Drink it over the coming 10 years. Disgorged June 2023.
Wine Advocate
- wa92
Moussé’s NV Blanc de Noirs Eugène Longue Garde is a perpetual cuvée composed of 50% 2019 vintage, with the remainder from 2003 to 2018. In contrast to the standard Eugène bottling, which matures 18 months sur lattes, the Longue Garde spends 60 months on the lees. Made from 80% Pinot Meunier and 20% Pinot Noir and disgorged in January 2024 without dosage, it unveils a bouquet of honeysuckle, pear and orange zest mingling with spices. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, with a rich fruit core, ripe but vibrant acidity and a persistent finish.
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