Wine Advisor
Pierre Gimonnet & Fils, Grands Terroirs de Chardonnay Special Club 2016
View analysis
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Kristaps Karklins
Derived from old-vine parcels scattered around Cramant, Chouilly and Cuis, Gimonnet’s 2016 Special Club Grands Terroirs de Chardonnay bursts from the glass with aromas of apple, lemon zest, hazelnut and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied and enveloping yet bright, it is less taut than the Chouilly Special Club but a bit more ample than the Cramant Special Club standalone bottling. Full-bodied and concentrated and underpinned by vibrant acidity, it is an admirably consistent and age-worthy cuvée that always begins to show its plenitude with a few extra years post disgorgement. Incorporating fruit from vines planted in 1911 and 1913, plots that Gimonnet works with horses, I would be very curious to try a Champagne produced solely from these ancient vines. It was disgorged in June 2024 with four grams per liter dosage.
About the Producer
The first known label was named after Henri GIMONNET in the early 20th century. But the winery's brewing activities truly began during the period between the two wars. The economic depression of 1929 marked the end of selling grapes to N é goce, which was unable to provide reasonable prices. In the early 1930s, our grandfather Pierre announced his first tariff. Fresh Grape juice coexists with "champagne still wine" and "vintage champagne" Since 1955, our father Pierre Gimonnet (Pierre's son) has joined the family business, completely changing the wine industry. His passion and scientific spirit made him a pioneer in brewing wine in small stainless steel barrels, ensuring respect for precise knowledge of each origin, traceability, and 'location'. He knew how unique the family vineyard was, and his farmer's knowledge prompted him to produce champagne with a distinct soul from the land. In 1987, from left to right: Didier, Michelle, Pierre, and Olivier Today, the brand is still owned and jointly managed by our family, with Olivier Gimonnet and Didier Gimonnet being two of the four children of Michel Gimonnet and Fran ç oise Gimonnet Lamandier.
