Sparkling Wines Champagne Pierre Moncuit - Brut Millésime Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs - 2008

Viniou Reviews

Pierre Moncuit’s 2008 Cuvée Brut Millésime Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs is an exceptional expression of Champagne’s illustrious terroir. This vintage cuvée is produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, sourced from Grand Cru vineyards, which imparts a remarkable purity and delicacy to the wine. The 2008 vintage is widely acclaimed for its classic structure and ageing potential, owing to the cool and balanced growing season that resulted in grapes with vibrant acidity and intricate flavours. In the cellar, this Champagne undergoes traditional bottle fermentation (méthode champenoise) before lengthy maturation on lees, developing its elegant mousse, complex aroma profile and signature creaminess on the palate.

The Champagne region, situated in north-eastern France, is famed for its chalk-rich soils and climate that combine cool temperatures with ample rainfall. These conditions are particularly well-suited for Chardonnay, the sole grape of this Blanc de Blancs, giving the wine its finesse, minerality and vivacious acidity. The history of Champagne is steeped in prestige, the result of centuries refining the art of sparkling winemaking, with Grand Cru sites such as Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (where Pierre Moncuit is based) producing some of the world's most celebrated wines.

A Champagne of this stature deserves to be showcased with refined dishes. Its crisp acidity and fine bubbles make it a superb pairing with fresh seafood—think oysters, scallops or a delicate crab salad with citrus. For a regional touch, enjoy it with gougères (cheese choux pastries) or a platter of chilled shrimp. It will also elevate sushi, sashimi or a simple blanquette de veau. The wine’s structured minerality matches beautifully with creamy textures, so soft cheeses like Chaource or young Brie make for a classic companion.

For the best experience, serve this Champagne well-chilled but not icy, ideally between 8-10°C. This temperature will highlight its aromatic nuances, lively effervescence and the subtle complexity gained from long bottle ageing. Allow the wine a few minutes in the glass to open up and reveal its layered bouquet and precise palate.