Description
The NV Mailly Coteaux Champenois Rouge is an exquisite rarity: a still red wine produced in the heart of the Champagne region. While Mailly is world-renowned for its sparkling Grand Cru cuvées, this “Coteaux” is a tribute to the region’s medieval heritage, long before bubbles became the standard.
Crafted exclusively from 100% Grand Cru Pinot Noir, this wine is a “Multi-Vintage” (NV) blend a rare approach for still reds allowing the winemaker to maintain a consistent house style characterized by elegance, salinity, and velvety fruit.
The Craft: Still Wine from Sparkling TerroirProducing a high-quality still red in a cool climate like Mailly requires meticulous vineyard management to ensure the Pinot Noir reaches “perfect maturity.”The Blend: Unlike most still wines, this is a blend of two distinct vintages (currently primarily 2018 and 2019).
This “NV” approach is a signature of the Mailly house, utilizing reserve wines to add depth.Sourcing: Grapes are hand-selected from the sunniest, south-facing plots of the 35 lieux-dits in Mailly.
These plots are specifically managed with a “green harvest” to lower yields and concentrate flavors.
Vinification: Fermentation occurs at a cool 15°C to preserve delicate aromatics. The wine is aged partially in temperature-controlled stainless steel to maintain freshness and partially in French oak barrels to refine the texture.
The Appearance: A brilliant ruby red with garnet highlights.
The Nose: Expressive and “silky.” It opens with pure aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, and red cherry, followed by subtle hints of white pepper, earth, and a touch of well-integrated oak.
The Palate: Light-to-medium bodied with a velvety texture. It defies the expectations of a “cool-climate” red by offering a bold fruit attack balanced by a refreshing, saline acidity.
The Finish: Clean and mineral-driven. It concludes with a “stony” persistence and very fine, molten tannins that make it incredibly smooth.
