Sparkling Wines Unspecified Guillaume Selosse - Au Dessus du Gros Mont Extra Brut

Viniou Reviews

Guillaume Selosse’s “Cuvée Au Dessus du Gros Mont Extra Brut” is an exceptional Champagne, crafted as a blanc de blancs, indicating it is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. The wine is non-vintage, meaning it is a blend of different harvests, allowing the winemaker to achieve a consistent house style and fine balance year after year. The terroir behind this cuvée is renowned: Selosse’s vineyards are meticulously maintained, favouring organic and biodynamic principles on chalky soils. The vinification process is highly artisanal, often involving spontaneous fermentations and ageing in oak barrels, which brings depth and layered complexity while preserving the purity and minerality expected from great Champagne. The “extra brut” designation ensures a notably dry style with minimal dosage, highlighting the precise tension and vibrancy of the fruit.

Champagne is located in north-east France, benefiting from a cool continental climate where grapes struggle to ripen fully, ensuring freshness and high acidity in the finished wines. The region’s famous chalk and limestone soils contribute a hallmark mineral note and finesse, underpinning the region’s global reputation for world-class sparkling wines. Its unique climate and geology have shaped the identity of Champagne for centuries, lending remarkable age-worthiness and raciness to its wines. The house of Selosse, in particular, has risen to cult status, thanks to its commitment to expressing terroir and a daring, authentic winemaking approach.

For food pairings, this cuvée’s energy and precision call for elegant, savoury dishes. Classic matches include oysters, scallops with beurre blanc, or sashimi, where the wine’s freshness enhances the natural sweetness of seafood. Regionally, you might enjoy it alongside Chaource cheese or gougères, which complement the Champagne’s fine mousse and chalky undertone. For a more substantial pairing, try it with roast chicken flavoured with tarragon or a tartare of white fish with citrus.

Serve this wine well-chilled, ideally between 8-10°C, to highlight its vibrant acidity, delicate bubbles, and intricate aromatic complexity. Consider using a tulip-shaped glass rather than a flute to allow the bouquet to unfold beautifully. Decanting is not necessary, but opening the bottle a few minutes before serving will help it express its full sensory palette.