2023 Jean Velut, Champagne, Coteaux Champenois Rouge

Jean Velut’s Coteaux Champenois Rouge, crafted from 1969-planted Pinot Noir in Montgueux, exemplifies a commitment to High Environmental Value viticulture through cover cropping and precise vineyard stewardship. The region’s chalk-rich subsoils provide excellent drainage and consistent moisture regulation, inherently fostering balanced acid and phenolic development in this still red wine. The 2023 growing season, characterized by a humid August followed by a crucial dry September, required meticulous selection to ensure physiological ripeness while preserving inherent acidity in Pinot Noir. Vinified Burgundy-style with destemming and gentle maceration, then aged ten months in neutral barrels, this vintage delivers a wine with a refined mid-palate density, bright acidity, and fine-grained, integrated tannins.