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Drawn from multiple plots, the incisive Pinot-dominant L’Atavique Tradition is Sébastien’s essence of Verzy: a wine which explores the grand cru’s renowned finesse with plenty of breadth and depth to back it up. L’Atavique, meaning atavism, represents the memory of his ancestors and their work in the vineyards. The blend is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. The base vintage is blended with 45% reserve wines from the two previous vintages. It was disgorged with 1.5 g/L after 36 months on lees. This cuvée fermented in 80% French oak and 20% stainless steel.
The grapes from each plot were then vinified separately, and all went through malolactic fermentation. Sébastien believes that there is no need to rely on malic acids to give pep and freshness to his wines: the presence of flint in the soils and the energy provided by biodynamic practices are more than enough to bring the striking liveliness typical of this grower’s Champagnes.
Peter Liem refers to the Mouzon Leroux style as “one of vibrant depth and voluptuous presence on the palate,” both qualities are perfectly encapsulated in L’Atavique. It’s a striking wine with intense mineral concentration, pure flavours and a persistent, linear drive. Salinity, leesy richness, some light oxidative notes, red fruits and citrus are matched by chalky textures and a deeply vinous complexity.