Champagne Guy Charlemagne, founded in 1892 in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, represents six generations of family-driven RM winemaking on the Côte des Blancs, specializing in Chardonnay from old Grand Cru vines. The domaine spans 15-18 hectares primarily in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, and Cramant, with average vine age approaching 40 years on pure chalk soils that define the region's piercing minerality. Now led by sisters and 6th generation, Justine and Marie, they farm sustainably, hand-harvest into traditional 4000kg Coquard presses, and age wines long in cool chalk cellars below the winery—"Quality is my truth" guides their minimal-intervention approach of native yeasts, full malolactic, and low dosage.

The Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Grande Réserve Le Mesnil (2018 base) sources from elite plots like Chetillon, Coullemets, and Vaucherots in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, blending the ripe 2018 vintage with reserve wines for tension and complexity. Dosage hovers at 4-6g/L to preserve chalk purity; extended lees aging (5+ years minimum) yields a structured Mesnil signature—oyster shell tension against solar fruit. Hand-riddled and disgorged with minimal sulfur, this multi-vintage release showcases the domaine's mastery of single-village Grand Cru Chardonnay, rivaling prestige cuvées at accessible pricing.

Why You'll Love It

• Mesnil chalk purity: Piercing wet stone and jasmine cut through 2018 ripeness—tense, ageworthy backbone no négociant matches.

• Old-vine depth: 40+yo Grand Cru plots deliver coiled citrus pith, brioche hints, and endless saline finish.

• Value benchmark: Le Mesnil Grand Cru precision undercuts single-vineyard prestige bottlings while cellaring 10-15 years.

How to Serve It

• Temperature: Serve at 48-50°F 

• Glassware: Enjoy in tall, narrow flute or all purpose white wine stems.

• Pairings: Raw oysters, sole meunière, or goat cheese—its mineral drive slices richness while fruit embraces creaminess.