Geoffroy Empreinte Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs 2016 | Premier Cru | Champagne

Wine Identification
The René Geoffroy Empreinte Brut Blanc de Noirs is a sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France, specifically produced by the renowned producer René Geoffroy. This particular vintage is identified as 2016. It is classified under the AOP Champagne Premier Cru designation, originating from the village of Cumières.

Origin and Winemaking
This cuvée is a Blanc de Noirs, composed entirely of Pinot Noir grapes sourced from three historic vineyard parcels within Cumières: Les Chalmonts, Les Barremonts, and Les Pêchers. These plots are situated on a south-facing slope with an altitude of approximately 160 meters and a gradient of 19%. The soils are characterized as clay-limestone mixed with flint fragments. The vines from which the grapes are harvested are over forty years old, referred to as "Pinot Noir Historique du Domaine."

The winemaking process is meticulous and traditional. After pressing in a traditional Coquard press, only the tête de cuvée (the first, finest juice) is used. The wine undergoes parcel-by-parcel vinification by gravity fermentation in oak barrels and vats, utilizing indigenous yeasts. Notably, the house policy mandates blocking malolactic fermentation to preserve acidity. The wine rests sur lie for 72 months before disgorgement. It is neither filtered nor clarified. The dosage is set at an Extra Brut level of 3 grams per liter.

Expected Profile and Tasting Notes
As a Blanc de Noirs, this wine presents the depth and structure typical of Pinot Noir, yet maintains the elegance associated with Champagne. The extended aging on lees for six years contributes to its complexity. The blocking of malolactic fermentation suggests a vibrant acidity profile, complemented by the mineral character imparted by the flint-rich clay-limestone soils. The low dosage of 3 g/L indicates a dry, pure expression of the fruit and terroir without added sweetness masking the natural flavors.

Overall Character
The René Geoffroy Empreinte Brut Blanc de Noirs 2016 represents a serious, high-quality entry into the world of vintage Champagne. Its combination of old vines, specific parcel sourcing, extended lees aging, and precise dosage reflects a commitment to precision and typicity. It is a wine defined by its structural integrity, mineral depth, and the distinctive character of Cumières Premier Cru vineyards.