Le Mesnil and Ma Vie en Rose, Alberto Massucco signs two new champagnes

The deal of the Alberto Massucco brand name is growing: the very first Italian manufacturer to make champagne from its own vineyards launches Le Mesnil 2018 and Ma Vie en Rose, the outcome of 5 years of processing.

A pure Chardonnay, produced with grapes from the Grand Cru town of Le Mesnil sur Oger, 2018 harvest, and an assemblage Rosé, made with Pinot Noir from Bouzy and the addition of 10% “vin rouge” from Ambonnay, constantly Grand Cru towns. They are Le Mesnil 2018 and Ma Vie en Rose, the most recent 2 developments by Alberto Massucco Champagne, an Italian brand name that satisfies French custom in a series of champagnes that grows in quality and deal every year.

The Piedmontese business from Castellamonte (To), developed in 2018 by Alberto Massucco, the very first Italian manufacturer to make champagne from its own vineyards, releases 2 brand-new items arising from 5 years of harvesting, processing, cellar aging and enthusiasm. “Le Mesnil 2018 was born from my enthusiasm for Chardonnay and from the love of Italians for Le Mesnil– states Alberto Massucco– 2018 is a terrific vintage for Champagne: precisely like 2008 and 2012 it offered us grapes of specific quality, with best and abundant lots of amazing maturity. The little production of this Grand Cru town has actually enlivened a minimal variety of bottles which for me represents a little gem, efficient in amplifying unique events”.

Alberto Massucco, the very first Italian to produce champagne from his own vineyards

However Vie en Rose is rather the “very first” Rosé signed by Massucco, likewise created to win over those who do not typically consume this kind of red wine. An assemblage rosé, made with Pinot Noir from Bouzy and the addition of 10% vin rouge from Ambonnay.

The 2 brand-new referrals sign up with a broader series of champagnes, that includes AMC 00 (50% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 20% Meunier), the Maison’s “entry level” champagne; AMC 02 (50% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 20% Meunier); Alberto Millesimato 2018 (100% Chardonnay), produced with grapes from 2 Grand Cru towns of the Côte des Blancs (Avize 90% and Oger 10%), harvest 2018, fermented in fût and delegated rest on the yeasts for 3 years; Mirede (100% Chardonnay), a homage from Alberto to his partner Mirede, fruit of Grand Cru grapes of Mesnil (30%) and Oger (30%) from the 2020 harvest, roughly one 3rd fermented in barrique, plus those (30%) of the owned vineyard in addition to an additional 10% of vins de réserve from 2017, 2018 and 2019; Mon Idée de Cramant (100% Chardonnay), a minimal production (500 hand-numbered bottles), made with grapes coming just from the Grand Cru town of Cramant.

Ma Vie En Rose, the first rosé Champagne by Alberto Massucco, presented together with the brut nature Le Mesnil

Ma Vie En Rose, the very first rosé Champagne by Alberto Massucco, provided together with the brut nature Le Mesnil

TASTING NOTES

The tasting of the 2 brand-new labels by Alberto Massucco Champagne, Le Mesnil and Ma Vie En Rose, along with 2 referrals currently present in the business proposition, AMC 00 and AMC 02.

Le Mesnil, Champagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2018 Grapes: 100% chardonnay Vinification and improvement: natural alcoholic fermentation in fut and malolactic. After the draft, the champagne rests for 3 years on the yeasts without filtering and, after the dégorgement, it is dosed at 2 g/l.

Plump bubble, citrus nose and bread crust emerging in between puffs of vanilla. On the taste buds the freshness integrates with a pungent bubble, for a citrine and salted sip, with a peppery spiciness surface that remembers the improvements in wood.

Ma Vie En Rose, Champagne Grand Cru 2018 Grapes: 90% pinot noir, 10% vin rouge Vinification and improvement: fermentation of the grapes in fut, malolactic and no filtering. Rest on the yeasts for 3 and a half years and dose equivalent to 0 g/l

Great bubble in a warm pink and orange glass. The nose is of red and sweet fruit, raspberry, cherry and likewise rhubarb, a tip of ginger. On the taste buds the sip is pulpy and gratifying, with strong bubbles, which initially sting and after that tickle. Acidic lash and a surface that leaves tips of fruit.

AMC 00, Champagne 2018 Grapes: 50% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir, 20% pinot meunier Vinification and improvement: fermentation of the grapes in cuvée and subsequent mix with 40% reserve white wines protected in wood barrels. Resting on the yeasts for 5 years and no dose. Disgorgement 2022.

Great perlage and a sexy arrangement, in between puffs of bread crust, lime honey, lemon cream and a marine touch and a tip of ginger, which serves as a trait-d-union with a specific spiciness on the taste buds. It fills the mouth with a velvety bubble, freshness and an umami experience that welcomes you to take a brand-new sip.

AMC 02, Champagne Grapes: 50% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir, 20% pinot meunier Vinification and improvement: fermentation of the grapes in cuvée and subsequent mix with 40% reserve white wines protected in wood barrels. Resting on the yeasts for 5 years and dose at 2 g/l. Disgorgement 2022.

It opens on the nose with an arrangement of sweet taste, in between salted caramel and tropical fruit, pastry notes and a veil of balsamicness. The sip is voluptuous and focused towards softness, in between memories of improvement, taste and a memory of honey cake on the surface.