This Grosperrin MMC Cuvée 2 is a 25-year-old cognac-muté grape must. A great wine, very representative of the very old moûts mutés of the Charentes region, it comes from the small estate of a passionate winegrower. His vineyards are located on a rocky promontory near Segonzac, in the heart of a terroir renowned for its limestone soils.
This batch spent 25 years ageing in wood, in one of the most emblematic cellars of Grande Champagne. It was aged on lees, a yellowish deposit found at the bottom of the barrel after the must has fermented. It joined the Chermignac cellars in 2019.
Charentais winemakers often keep a few barrels of these wines, which they can age for several decades, as is the case here.
Nico's tasting notes
The nose has all the makings of a precious confection, placed on the shelves of a delicatessen, between carefully selected chocolates, coffees and teas. The grape juice, concentrated to the point of syrup, has acquired a rancio that brings it closer to the old prune brandy, and the sweet spices and almonds complete this gourmet treat. However, as the liquid opens up in the glass, it becomes increasingly fresh.
The palate is both round and fresh, with old grape juice that's completely candied, with a patina, and a little acidity that gives it the perfect balance. The fruity flavors are followed by apples, pears and caramel, as in a generously caramelized tarte tatin. The sweet concentration is striking, so a slightly chilled tasting is preferable, especially as this will not erase the pastry-like flavors of prunes and sweet spices that linger on the palate to finish.
"A concentrated bubble of gourmandise and fruit... "
