| Brand | Vilmart & Cie |
| Appellation | Champagne, France |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Oak Treatment | French Oak |
| Aging | more than 32months / 12.5% abv |
| Total Varietal Composition % | 80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir |
Product details
Nestled in the rolling chalk hills of Rilly‑la‑Montagne, Vilmart & Cie has been a family-owned grower producer since 1890, now stewarded by the fifth generation. Their flagship cuvée, the Grand Cellier d’Or, is woven from 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir, all from 50-year‑old vines in premier cru vineyards, vinified by hand and aged in 228 L oak barrels without malolactic fermentation. The wine spends ten months in oak followed by a lengthy 42 months on its lees and a delicate dosage of 7 g/L—yielding a champagne that balances richness, concentration, and elegance while expressing chalky Montagne flavors.
The 2018 vintage pours a deep golden hue, crowned with a fine, persistent mousse. Its nose is vibrant and layered—there are aromas of black cherry, blood orange, Chinese anise, menthol, then pastry, butter, and passionfruit. On the palate it’s creamy and refined, with luscious flavors of fresh butter, custard, candied pineapple, and a minerally grapefruit finish that underscores its tension and aging potential. Ideal pairings include luxe fare such as caviar, grilled langoustines, white meats (like capon paupiettes) with reduced sauces, where the wine’s structure and mature aromatic depth can truly shine without being overshadowed.
