Description
A stunning rarity from a village famous for Pinot Noir, Exception Blanche is Mailly Grand Cru’s tribute to the elegance of Chardonnay. Crafted from 100% Chardonnay grown on select north-facing, chalk-rich parcels in the Grand Cru village of Mailly-Champagne, this Blanc de Blancs offers a fascinating contrast: the natural grace and precision of Chardonnay married to the structured, vinous depth typical of the Montagne de Reims terroir. The 2016 vintage, aged for over six years on its lees, captures a beautiful intersection of vibrant freshness, creamy texture, and deep, chalky minerality.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Pale gold with brilliant silver highlights and an exceptionally fine, persistent effervescence.
Aroma: Delicate yet expressive, opening with notes of white blossoms, lemon zest, and crisp green apple, moving into nuances of fresh pastry, toasted almonds, and crushed limestone.
Palate: Pure, chiseled, and precise. The entry delivers bright citrus and white peach flavors balanced by a creamy, velvety texture from extended lees contact.
Finish: Exceptionally long and focused, ending on a crisp, dry note dominated by a trademark saline and chalky minerality.
Producer Profile
The Pinnacle of Artisanal Excellence
Founded in 1929 during the Great Depression, Champagne Mailly Grand Cru is a testament to the resilience of a small group of visionary winegrowers. While most Champagne houses source grapes from across the region, Mailly is unique: it is one of the very few estates where 100% of the wines are sourced from a single Grand Cru village.
Located in the heart of the Montagne de Reims nature park, the estate consists of 70 hectares divided into 35 distinct plots.
This “mosaic” of terroirs with vineyards facing all four points of the compass—allows the Cellar Master to craft wines of incredible complexity, balancing the power of Pinot Noir with the elegance of Chardonnay.
The Mailly Distinction
- 100% Grand Cru Status: Every bottle is crafted from grapes grown in the prestigious Mailly Champagne village, classified as Grand Cru since 1920.
- The Power of Pinot Noir: The vineyards are planted with 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. The Pinot Noir here is famed for an “unusual freshness” and saline nuances derived from deep chalky subsoils.
- A Legacy of Craft: The estate’s kilometer-long chalk cellars were hand-dug by the founding growers over 30 winters, providing the perfect environment for slow, graceful aging.
- Sustainability: Certified VDC (Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne) and HVE since 2021, reflecting a deep commitment to preserving the land for future generations.
