Sparkling Wines Champagne Wirth Michel - Les Rigoblins - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Wirth Michel’s “Cuvée Les Rigoblins” 2019 hails from the heart of Champagne, the world-renowned French region for sparkling wines. This cuvée, classified as a Blanc and presented as a sec (meaning a slightly sweet Champagne), is crafted using the traditional méthode champenoise. While the blend is not specified, Champagnes typically feature Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, offering a balance of freshness, structure, and subtle fruitiness. The 2019 vintage was generally favourable in Champagne, delivering wines with tension and elegance. The wine’s effervescence, lively mousse, and well-defined aromas will reveal the meticulous attention to detail in both vineyard management and cellar work that characterises this respected appellation.

The Champagne region lies in the cool north-east of France, defined by its chalky soils, which are excellent for drainage and impart a notable mineral signature to the wines. The climate is cool and marginal for grape ripening, yielding a style marked by finesse and crisp acidity. Champagne has a storied history as the source of celebratory wines, and strict regulations ensure a high level of quality and typicity. The blend and the extended lees ageing inherent to traditional Champagne production impart complexity, with autolytic notes of brioche and pastry complementing citrus, green apple, and white blossom.

For food pairings, this Champagne sec suits dishes that will both balance and enhance its subtle sweetness. Try it with delicate shellfish like scallops in a light citrus sauce, sushi or sashimi, or pâté de campagne. The light sweetness also makes it a surprising match for spicy Asian cuisine or lightly sweet desserts such as a tarte fine aux pommes. For an authentic regional pairing, consider gougères (cheese puffs) or a slice of Chaource cheese.

Serve “Cuvée Les Rigoblins” well-chilled, ideally at 6-8°C, to accentuate its freshness and fine mousse. Use elegant flute glasses or, for greater aromatic expression, a white wine glass. Allow the wine a few moments in the glass to open up before savouring its dynamic layers and celebratory spirit.