Bonjour, we are in Champagne region at J.De Telmont house. Family business from generation to generation since 1912 in Damery.The Damery vineyard lies on the banks of the Marne, 5km from Epernay. The 200 hectares of slopes, with their appellation controlled label, receive an exceptionnal amount of sunshine, which sublimates the grapes' flavour and bouquet. Surrounded by forests, this terroir draws its unique character from its soil, a savoury mixture of plant life, chalk, and sand, where the precious varietals of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier reveal all their secrets.
At the end of May, I was in Damery with Mr.Bertrand Lhopital (below) to understand more about his marvelous champagne and the legacy of his family.
The Cellars!!!After my arrival, Mr.Lhopital took me directly to the heart of J.De Telmont just below their office the "paradise reserve".
The ageing part goes to 3 years up to 10 years in their cellars for instance the prestige cuvée as Cuvée O.R. 1735 goes to 10 years.
In the morning, I have the chance to meet their cellar master Mr. Dominique Jondreville who was doing a selection of white chardonnay for their white wine Insolite (100% Chardonnay, production only 2,000 cs a year)With the company of Mr. Parinet (brother in law of Mr.Lhopital) we went through the best cuvée during the afternoon.
O.R. 1735 (Brut) combines all savoir-Faire of champagne through the selection of terroirs, the expression of Chardonnay grapes grown in the best best villages and a long ageing process in our cellars under cork. This cuvée represents 200 years of Champagne history.I will say this champagne is only for special occasion.
Cuvée Grand Couronnement is made exclusively from white Chadonnay grapes from the best Côte des Blancs crus.After a meticulous choice of the finest grapes, only the premiere cuvée obtained from the first pressing was used in its composition. The nobolity of its origins, its slow production in the purest Champagne tradition and an ageing process bringing up to its apogee all make this an exceptional vintage that "Crowns" their production, and gives it a place of honour among the top Champagnes.
I will say it is reserved for the most dedicated connoisseurs.
Cuvée Consécration is the perfection from the finest selection Chardonnay grand crus in Chouilly and in Avize.A complete vinification in oak casks brings out the final expression of these two terroirs.
I will say this champagne is only for champagne lovers looking for an exclusive cuvée.
Grand Rosé, one of the finest, they attain this sensation of fruit through their selection of old Pinot vines, a partial "Saignée" to preserve the fruit's aromatic potential, and assembly with Chardonnay grapes.
This is a champagne to share with friends.
As, Mr. Lhopital said to me "you only make a saignée when it is really good year vintage otherwise it is no point to do it"
I would like to thank you again for your warm welcome.
Cheers! Michel
