Wines Champagne Wirth Michel - Les Rigoblins - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Wirth Michel’s “Cuvée Les Rigoblins” 2019 is an extra-brut Champagne blanc shimmering with character and purity, rooted in the celebrated terroirs of the Champagne AOC. This sparkling wine is crafted from carefully selected grapes, honouring the traditional blend of Champagne – typically Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier – though the precise proportions can vary depending on the house’s philosophy and the plot’s expression. The 2019 vintage brings a particularly refined freshness, with the HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) certification attesting to a responsible and sustainable approach in both vineyard management and winemaking. The extra-brut style, with its minimal dosage, accentuates the wine’s minerality, taut structure, and vibrant citrus notes, letting the natural qualities of both fruit and terroir speak uninhibited.

The Champagne region benefits from a cool, northern climate moderated by the gentle slopes and chalky soils that are its hallmark. The unique Kimmeridgian and Belemnite limestone under the topsoil is revered for its excellent drainage, heat retention, and ability to impart a racy, mineral-driven backbone to the wines. Centuries of history – from the Benedictine monks to the grandes maisons and grower-producers such as Wirth Michel – have shaped Champagne into a mosaic of vineyards and practices, each contributing nuance and vibrancy. The 2019 season was marked by ideal ripening conditions late in the cycle and a healthy harvest, ensuring fruit with concentration and balance.

This style of Champagne excels as an apéritif but also accompanies a wide range of dishes. The extra-brut edge pairs beautifully with oysters, seafood platters, or Japanese sashimi, whose saline freshness aligns with the wine’s linear profile. For a local pairing, consider caviar de Champagne, gougères, or delicate Chaource cheese. The wine’s tension also complements lighter poultry preparations or crisp tempura.

For full expression, serve “Les Rigoblins” well chilled, ideally between 7-9°C. Pour into a white wine glass rather than a narrow flute to allow the aromas to blossom. Allow a moment or two in the glass for the effervescence and scents to evolve before tasting. This bottle promises a sophisticated experience, whether for a festive toast or an elegant meal.