Domaine de Marzilly (Ullens), Champagne, Lot 11 Brut

Maxime Ullens manages Domaine de Marzilly with a focus on agroforestry and site-specific viticulture in the Massif de Saint-Thierry, utilizing indigenous yeast fermentations and aging in oak barrels coopered from the estate's own timber. This Lot 11 Brut is a mono-varietal Meunier sourced from the deep Thanetian sands of Hermonville, a terroir that imparts a distinct saline verticality and structural tension. The deliberate use of estate-oak foudres facilitates a controlled micro-oxygenation, building mid-palate density while maintaining a precise, crystalline core. Architecturally, the wine is defined by a fine-grained phenolic grip and a high-tensile acidity that reflects the cool microclimate of Champagne’s northernmost reaches. The absence of fining or filtration ensures an expansive, savory texture and a long finish rooted in geological transparency rather than primary aromatics.