Cédric Moussé Eugène

Created by the founder of the House, Eugène Moussé, 100 years ago, this perpetual cuvée pays tribute to the rich history of the family and estate. Started in 2003, the cuvée was initially called Carte Or, then Or Tradition, then L’Or d’Eugène. The centenary year marks a restructuring of the range with the arrival of Eugène.

The wine is gorgeous deep gold, almost bronze in colour with spiced pear and orange cake notes on the nose. Rich and expansive on the palate with a supple body, underlying freshness and a play between slightly bitter walnut and fresh pear.

This is based on green clay soils which are unique in this part of the Marne valley and the profile shows this. We love the cleanliness and purity of fruit that sits firmly in the orchard spectrum and then opens out to quince and some apricot. Excellent value champagne that will get you to look at Blanc de Noirs differently.

A grower since 1750, Champagne Moussé sits in the village of Cuisles, in a valley perpendicular to the Vallée de la Marne. This side valley has a unique soil in Champagne: a schist subsoil under clay. While Pinot Meunier often struggles to be taken seriously in Champagne, at Moussé, Pinot Meunier is celebrated. 80% of the vines planted are Meunier, with the balance planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This agency is the first member of Club Trésors de Champagne to make a Spécial Club wine of 100% Pinot Meunier and the first Club member to produce a Rosé de Saignée Spécial Club. In the vineyards, Cedric Moussé adheres to a ‘lutte raisonée’ approach. He practices organic viticulture, using herbal infusions that act as ‘vitamins’ for the vines, cover crops, zero pesticides, and minimal doses of heavy metals like copper. His new winery, completed in 2012 may be deceiving; the modern facility leads us to believe this is a new operation. Solar panels power the cellar, tasting room, and 2 houses on the property, while geothermal energy moderates temperature throughout the winery. An underground spring provides enough water for irrigation on the farm. Moussé works almost exclusively in stainless steel, with the exception of a small amount of Pinot Meunier destined for his rosé. All cuvées undergo malolactic fermentation. The resulting wines seem to gush with red and dark fruits characteristic of Pinot Meunier, and a structured, saline minerality - Peter Liem

Blend of 80% Pinot Meunier and 20% Pinot Noir from the Cuisles, Jonquery, Châtillon-sur-Marne terroirs. 90% of soils are composed of green clays over limestone. Perpetual base blend, elaborated with reserve wines from 2003 to 2020, which are refreshed every year with 50% of the new harvest.

Grapes are hand picked in market gardening crates and the wines undergo full malolactic fermentation, with sustainable and organic viticulture practices at the forefront. 2.5g/L dosage. Ageing on lees for an average of 18 months before disgorging.

Try your hand pairing with tuna samosas with peas, onions, eggs and mint.