1. Champagne 1er Cru Villages 

100% Chardonnay

Region: Marne Valley, Champagne

ESTATE HISTORY

The Testu de Balincourt family is a family from the French nobility whose roots are in the Île de France (Vexin). The name Testu derives from the tenacity in combat of the ancestors of the family, many of whom came from the army.

The Balincourt line was at the origin of many figures who marked the history of France through high positions in the service of the various kings of France: Secretary of Finance and State, Ambassador, Deputy, Knight, Lieutenant-General of the King's armies, Governor, Commander and Marshal of France.

The family was granted many prestigious titles such as Lord, Baron or Marquis.

This is particularly the case of Claude-Guillaume Testu, Musketeer of the King, Marquis of Balincourt, Baron of Bouloire, born on March 18, 1680 in Paris and died on May 12, 1770, who also had a brilliant military career. He was appointed Commander in Alsace and governor of the city of Strasbourg on January 1, 1746, then was made Marshal of France the same year.

To crown his loyalty and bravery, the king granted him lands, notably in the Grand Est region at Châlons-en-Champagne in the Marne valley, the cradle of Champagne Louis Balincourt.

Nowadays, Champagne Balincourt is owned and operated by theMeyblum family.

TERROIR

Soil: Clay-silt, clay-limestone

WINEMAKING

Thermoregulated stainless steel tanks at low temperature to preserve freshness, fermentation on fine lees, aging for a minimum of 5 years then disgorging 4 months before marketing.

TASTING & FOOD PAIRINGS

Splendid pale gold color with brilliant reflections. Expressive nose of great purity. The structured and rich palate evokes white-skinned fruits with a subtle chalky minerality enhanced by fine, persistent bubbles.