Grand Siècle
« Les Réserves » Iteration Nº20
- Three exceptional years: 1999 (60%), 1997 (20%), 1996 (20%)
- 54% Chardonnay, 46% Pinot Noir from 8 Grands Crus
- Aged for 20 years on the lees for the magnum format
VINIFICATION, BLENDING AND AGING
Blending of the years
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1999 60%
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1997 20%
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1996 20%
1999 : a hot, stormy summer and a rainy September reveal a fine and elegant vintage. The Chardonnays unveil floral notes and the Pinots Noirs are fruity.
1997 : a very dry July and a very hot August followed a cool and rainy month of June. The diversity of the climate produced wines combining structure, maturity, freshness and balance.
1996 : a cool spring followed by alternating dry and wet periods during the summer produced balanced wines with a freshness that promises exceptional ageing potential.
8 grands crus
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Chardonnay 54%
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Pinot Noir 46%
54% de Chardonnay from : Avize, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil- sur-Oger.
46% de Pinot Noir from : Ambonnay, Bouzy, Tours-sur-Marne, Mailly
More than 20 years ageing on lees for a 150 cl magnum
sensory characteristics
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EYE
Intense and deeply coloured, dominated by gold and platinum shades. Very delicate bubbles bring exceptional finesse and lightness. -
NOSE
A complex nose bringing together the three families of aromas - primary, secondary and tertiary - with hints of candied lemon, toasted notes, a light scent of cappuccino and roasted coffee. After a few minutes, spicy, pastry notes appear highlighting the aromatic richness. -
PALATE
Very silky structure that is almost creamy. The sense of freshness is maintained creating length and breadth weaving together the multi-layered flavours on the palate.
GRAND SIÈCLE LES RESERVES ITÉRATION N°20 AWARDS
WINE/FOOD PAIRINGS
- Noble meat
- Noble fish
- Shellfish
- Truffle
LES RÉSERVES
Grand Siècle has always demonstrated a remarkable ability to stand the test of time without ever losing its energy, regardless of the vintages or the length of ageing.
In order to observe the impact of prolonged ageing on lees, Bernard de Nonancourt decided to set aside in his personal reserve a few undisgorged magnums from each Iteration.
In 2012, this reserve was discovered by his daughters, Alexandra and Stéphanie, alongside Michel Fauconnet (Cellar Master), and unveiled for the first time during the celebration of the House’s Bicentenary that same year. Named “Les Réserves”, this expression of Grand Siècle, corresponding to Iteration No. 17, was subsequently released after spending 16 years ageing on lees. The result of this experience is a wine of extraordinary aromatic complexity, where the three families of aromas (primary, secondary, and tertiary) come together and express themselves simultaneously in perfect harmony. Its undeniable ability to preserve freshness over time while developing such a broad aromatic palette demonstrates Grand Siècle’s exceptional ageing potential.
For only the second time in the history of the House, we are delighted to unveil Grand Siècle “Les Réserves” once again through Iteration No. 20, aged for more than 20 years in our cellars.
