Miniere F & R Symbiose 2008

Founded in 1919 by Alfred Miniére, Alfred created his own wine press and sold wines to the merchants of Reims. Currently owned by Brothers Frédéric and Rodolphe Miniére (F & R), they began selling their champagne in 2014 after taking over the estate in 2005. At the moment they are only producing from 2ha of their 8ha estate in Hermonville, North of Reims. Frédéric worked for a time with Anselme Selosse and everything is barrel-fermented in various sizes of oak and held some 8 months on lees before bottling. Over half their vines are 40-60 years old, giving lower yield but more intense juice. Malolactic fermentation is prevented in order to preserve the freshness of the wines after a long ageing process within the cellars. Instead, once bottled our wines mature slowly for 5 or 6 years for the youngest and between 8 to 10 years for vintage wines.

Weather: After a rainy but mild winter without any prolonged cold spells, spring arrived with some very localised frosts. Cool weather returned in June and the infrequent sunshine prolonged the feeling of freshness. The spring to autumn weather was bright with sunny spells and the long, hot days and cool nights during September gave the grapes excellent acidity during the harvest period. The 2008 vintage is fast emerging as one of the best since the renowned and now-legendary 2002.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand & Premier Cru
Grape Varieties: 50% Pinot Noir | 50% Chardonnay
Ageing: 7 years on the lees
Dosage: 2.5 g/l
Alcohol: 12.5%
Drink: Now to 2030

Tasting Note:The almost discreet nose reveals great finesse while the attack is frank. Minerality finds its full expression with no trace of oak. The finish seems never-ending.