H. Billiot Cuvée Laetitia

60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay

Chardonnay reserve wines 1983-2012, Pinot Noir from 2013

No malolactische fermentation

Vinified im enamel steel tank

48 monath aging on the lees

Distinctive cuvée created using a perpetual blending system (solera) since 1980. At this point a blend of more 20 vintages, aged in an enamel tank. A portion is removed regularly, to be refreshed with a portion of the current vintage. This system, similar in style to the solera system, differs only in that the wine is not stored in wooden barrels. The proportions used for the blending remain a closely guarded house secret, although it has been revealed that the share of Chardonnay is slightly ahead of the rest. In 2005 the cuvée grew too voluminous for a single tank, and so a portion was added into a second tank. This 'retanking' provided an interesting experiment into the complexity of this style of maturation: the winemakers suddenly had to deal with a new and unwanted oxidative effect. By 2009 order had been restored to the system and the decision was made to start refreshing the cuvée with a larger proportion of newer, highly ripe vintages. Cuvée Laetitia is the most challenging, complex and distinctive top blend from the Billiot domaine. For advanced champagne drinkers only, especially those who enjoy a well matured wine!  Beautiful when paired with a variety of foods, especially a fragrant cheese plate!

Moritz OCT22: A cuvée made using the Solera method, which is dominated by a warm-hearted yellow fruit. There is a subtle spiciness in the finish, which gives the cuvée a nice tension.