Champagne Ployez-Jacquemart, Extra Quality Brut
Critics reviews
Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com - April 2013
About this WINE
Champagne Ployez-Jacquemart
Ployez-Jaquemart was founded in 1930, its nomenclature reflecting, as elsewhere in the region, a husband-wife partnership, and one that has built up impressive holdings in the Grand Cru Champagne village of Mailly and the Premier Cru village of Ludes, both of which specialise in Pinot Noir production.
It should come as no surprise, therefore, that the Ployez-Jacquemart style is located at the more robust end of the spectrum. Extensive ageing in deep cellars and minimal ‘dosage’ inform a profile which is classically rich and richly classical.
Champagne blend
Which grapes are included in the blend, and their proportion, is one of the key factors determining the style of most Champagnes. Three grapes are used - Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.
26% of vineyards in Champagne are planted with Chardonnay and it performs best on the Côtes des Blancs and on the chalk slopes south of Epernay. It is relatively simple to grow, although it buds early and thus is susceptible to spring frosts. It produces lighter, fresher wines than those from Burgundy and gives finesse, fruit and elegance to the final blend. It is the sole grape in Blancs de Blancs, which are some of the richest long-lived Champagnes produced.
Pinot Noir accounts for nearly 40% of the plantings in Champagne and lies at the heart of most blends - it gives Champagne its body, structure, strength and grip. It is planted across Champagne and particularly so in the southern Aube district.
The final component is Pinot Meunier and this constitutes nearly 35% of the plantings. Its durability and resistance to spring frosts make the Marne Valley, a notorious frost pocket, its natural home. It ripens well in poor years and produces a soft, fruity style of wine that is ideal for blending with the more assertive flavours of Pinot Noir. Producers allege that Pinot Meunier lacks ageing potential, but this does not deter Krug from including around 15% of it in their final blends.
Buying options
Add to wishlist
Description
Four years, three grams of sugar and one extremely poised Champagne, such is the brief history of the Extra Quality Brut, for once a wine that lives up to its otherwise rather meaningless name. Flinty , honied and very pure, this is very complete, generous and, in many senses of the word, fine.
Simon Field MW, BBR Wine Buyer
Ployez-Jaquemart was founded in 1930, its nomenclature reflecting, as elsewhere in the region, a husband-wife partnership, and one that has built up impressive holdings in the Grand Cru village of Mailly and the Premier Cru village of Ludes, both of which specialise in Pinot Noir production. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that the Ployez-Jacquemart style is located at the more robust end of the spectrum. Extensive ageing in deep cellars and minimal ‘dosage’ inform a profile which is classically rich and richly classical.
wine at a glance
Delivery and quality guarantee