10/2/26 -

It's very exciting to taste through a lineup of wines and see such a clear identity and focus across all cuvees. This excitement is only stronger when the work the vigneron is doing in the vineyard and the cellar is so intentional and thoughtful. Oh, and did I mention this is all Champagne?

This is by no means the first time we have featured the savory, mineral, and complex Champagnes of Sébastien Mouzon, but his newest release is better than ever. Big changes came with the new release, as he is now aging his vintage dated Champagnes on the lees for 18 months in used Cadus barrels before bottling, when they previously aged for 8-10 months. With this change, you can really taste an added depth and concentration to the wines.

Sébastien Mouzon represents the 9th generation of his family estate that has been in the Grand Cru village of Verzy since 1776. Since taking over in 2008, Sébastien has converted all 8.5 hectares to organic and then biodynamic farming and was a pioneer of Vitiforestry, the practice of planting of trees throughout the vineyards (see below). Since he started planting in 2011, he along with likeminded growers in the village have planted over 5,000 trees in Verzy. This allows you to see Verzy from far away as you drive through the Montagne de Reims. These trees provide not only shade to the vines as vintages get warmer, but increase biodiversity and improve soil water retention. In addition to trees, he has also planted over 800 aromatic plants such as thyme, oregano, savory, and mint, showing a strong commitment to diversifying the ecosystem.

Les Fervins vineyard with vitiforestry

L'Atavique: A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from different sections of Verzy Grand Cru. 55% of the wine is the base vintage of 2022 with the remainder being reserve wines (2021 and 2019). Aged 12 months in wood, then bottled for second fermentation with an additional 28 months en tirage. This wine provides a real snapshot to the terroir of Verzy with a blend from 65 different plots around the village. It has a strong, stony minerality with a long salty finish and beautiful, bright acidity. There is great energy here, perfect to pair with seafood or just enjoy on its own.

L'Ascendant Solera: A perpetual cuvée comprised of 50% base wine from 2019 and the remainder from 2014-2019. The blend ends up being 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay from three plots across Verzy Grand Cru. All Solera wines are held in Cadus barrels until bottling. Aged 42 months sur lattes before disgorgement. This Champagne has incredible depth and concentration that is very savory and rich. There's great texture with perfectly balanced acidity and a long, mineral finish. I think this is one of the best values of the whole lineup and is a fantastic representation of the estate. 

L'Incandescent Rose de Saignee: 100% Pinot Noir planted on the chalky eastern valley facing northeast. The grapes undergo a 16 hour maceration. The wine is fermented with indigenous yeast and 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged for 12 months in stainless steel before bottling. It ages 36+ months sur lattes before disgorgement. This is a beautiful rose with soft notes of red berries and florality. This is perfectly balanced, and just delicious!

2019 L'Angelique: 100% Chardonnay on the eastern chalky section of Verzy Grand Cru. Indigenous yeast fermentation, 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged for 18 months in used Cadus barrels before bottling and spends 3+ years sur lattes with a disgorgement of 2g/L. Aged for an additonal 6 months in the cellar after disgorgment. This is a stunning Blanc de Blancs with a slight vanilla note on the nose complemented with strong lemon and minerality. It has amazing depth and concentration with bright acidity. I can see this aging beautifully for years to come. 

2019 L'Ineffable: 100% Pinot Noir from several plots in Verzy on the western edge bordering Verzenay. Indigenous yeast fermentation, 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged for 18 months in used Cadus barrels before bottling and spends 3+ years sur lattes with a disgorgement of 2g/L. Aged for an additional 6 months in the cellar after disgorgement. A strongly mineral Champagne with a density and strength. It has a long finish that will leave you wanting more.

2018 Les Fervins 7 Cepages: A blend of almost equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Arbane, Meunier, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris, all seven indigenous varieties from the one plot where Sebastien launched his Vitiforestry experiment. Soils are silex with chalk and clay. The wine is fermented with indigenous yeast and undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged for 8 months in used Cadus barrels and then aged 48 months sur lattes. A wine of layered complexity. It has a touch of oxidation that is not at all overpowering, with notes of florals and citrus. A unique wine with personality and endless pairing opportunities.

I truly believe any and all of these wines are perfect for moving into cooler months, and taste even better then shared amongst family and friends. 

-Hanna Krilov Cohen

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