I’m in Reims for business tonight. I’ve got a couple of tastings set up for tomorrow and a busy schedule but tonight, since I drove here, I’m on my own, “sans attache”.
Found a little tapas bar not far from the hotel and decided to give it a try. As one expects in Reims, they have a decent Champagne list but the still reds ain’t bad either. I started with Champ for now:
Nicolas Maillart Franc de Pied 2012
I hadn’t heard of that cuvée before but i like the entry level Platine as a great QPR. And, the FdP intrigued me. I think I had only heard of the Bollinger one (Vieilles Vignes Francaises, which I think they don’t make anymore).
Served at proper temperature and in a proper glass. I just started tasting it so I might update later if it evolves with air. Super expressive nose of strawberry and rhubard compote, hint of rosebud and a little bit of ripe red apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. The nose then veers on smoke and oak tones with some caramel. Very nice! Complex and intriguing nose.
The palate is initially all chewy fruit, then a touch of bitterness that fits, medium-minus acidity but a big burst of salinity on the finish achieves balance. Powerful, concentrated and balanced on a knife’s edge. I really like this but the balance seems so precarious that I wonder if all vintages would work for me. Only one way to find out… try more!