Most champagne enthusiasts have heard of the Blanc de Blancs appellation, but do you know what lies behind the name? And do you know how the Mumm Blanc de Blancs is created?
For Mumm RSRV Blanc de Blancs Millésimé—an outstanding 100% Grand Cru cuvée—Mumm selects the finest Chardonnay from the village of Cramant on the Côte des Blancs.
Blanc de Blancs is a term found only in Champagne. It is used to refer to champagne produced entirely from white grapes, most commonly Chardonnay. Pinot Blanc and Arbane can also be used, as well as a number of other varieties permitted in the appellation, but these are less common. This makes Blanc de Blancs different from the majority of champagnes that are a traditional blend of white and red grapes with colorless juice such as Pinot Noir and Meunier. It is also different from Blanc de Noirs champagne, which is produced exclusively from Pinot Noir and Meunier.
For Mumm RSRV Blanc de Blancs Millésimé, the House uses only Chardonnay picked in the Grand Cru village of Cramant on the Côte des Blancs, from plots it has owned since 1882. This vintage cuvée is produced only in years where a special set of conditions are met and only in a limited quantity. Elegant and refreshing, Mumm RSRV Blanc de Blancs Millésimé expresses the very essence of Chardonnay.
Chardonnay is the most widely represented white grape variety in the world. It is known for its minerality, freshness, elegance and finesse. The Cramant terroir offers ideal weather conditions—Mumm owns East-facing plots, protected from the prevailing winds—and a chalky soil from which the vine is able to draw all the minerals it needs for its development. This is what creates the slight saltiness found on the palate. The climate and soil of this Grand Cru lend freshness and delicacy to the Chardonnay.
This exceptional vintage cuvée can only be produced in the very best years. Recent examples include 2014, when a cold and wet start to the summer was followed by improved weather conditions after August 15th, leading to an early harvest that was particularly abundant and of excellent quality in Côte des Blancs. This resulted in a wine with lots of energy and intense freshness.
RSRV Blanc de Blancs Millésimé is aged in our cellars for at least three years to enable it to develop its full potential. On the nose, it expresses aromas of citrus fruit (lemon and grapefruit) and lemon meringue tart. On the palate, the attack is sharp. It is extremely fresh and creamy, with exceptional minerality on the long finish.
RSRV Blanc de Blancs is produced exclusively with Chardonnay grapes from Cramant (“chalk mount”) in the Côte des Blancs. Notably, the vines harvested include those from historic plots acquired by Maison Mumm in 1882.
After a minimum of three years’ aging in the cellars and a light dosage of 6 grams per liter, this 100% Grand Cru cuvée, produced in limited quantities, is ready to be enjoyed.
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