Champagne Presence Marie Courtin 2016

Champagne Presence Marie Courtin, 70% Chardonnay 30% Pinot Blanc zero dosage, zero sulphur added, zero intervention, 100% pure! A wine that is unveiled by the omission of sulphur and shows its vitality and complexity in every sip. It is very energetic champagne with fantastic acidity along with lovely fresh flavours and delicacy. The bouquet offers up a fine blend of apple, pear, fresh mint, a lovely minerality and a gentle top note of yeastiness. On the palate there is subtle toasted bread and biscuits, yeast and a touch ‘fruit confit’ but all held together with racy acidity. Outstanding Biodynamic Champagne, lovely length, great with food.

Marie Courtin is a tiny 6 hectare domaine in Polisot in the Cotes des Bars, the southernmost region of Champagne.

It is run by Dominique Piollot wife of Roland who also has vines in the village and bottles wine under his family name Piollot (see the related wines below). Dominique is a fantastic 'Artisan Vigneron', she has converted her vines to Biodynamic certification (demeter) over a period of 6 years and her wines are the purest expression of traditional method fizz. She uses wild yeasts of course and manages to make some wines without any sulphur. Her Cuvee are very fresh, the acidity creating a veil of elegance and restraint which marks them out from other Champagnes. With food, they are superb and they also age very well although at only 12-15000 bottles in total and 6 cuvee the wine doesn't hang around long.

When first opened, her bottles can seem a little closed but these wines reward a little patience. Uncork the bottle and have a glass then put a Champagne closure on and leave in the fridge over night. In the morning, the wine will have come to life, brimming with rich flavours, nuttiness, toasted brioche and complexity.

When meeting Dominique and Roland, one is struck by their quiet, thoughtful nature and warmth. They are a spiritual couple who feel very attached to the land in their native village of Polisot, not far from the Chablis region in southern Champagne. Dominique expresses this sensitivity in her wine making and approach to viticulture, she is 'true believer' in Biodynamics, and the names of the wines carry their own spiritual significance.