Domaine Batard-Langelier Méthode Traditionnelle, ‘Pensées Nocturnes’

Domaine Batard-Langelier's 'Pensées Nocturnes' is a Méthode Traditionnelle crémant from France's Loire Valley, specifically the Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine appellation. This Brut Nature cuvée is a blend of 70% Melon de Bourgogne and 30% Folle Blanche, sourced from 50-year-old vines.

The grapes are hand-harvested in early September, then de-stemmed and gently pressed. Fermentation begins with native yeasts and lasts about 15 days in underground concrete tanks lined with glass tiles, a traditional method in the region. The wine matures on its lees in these tanks for four months, enhancing its complexity and mouthfeel. After this period, it undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, aging for a minimum of 14 months before disgorgement. Notably, 'Pensées Nocturnes' is bottled without dosage, classifying it as Brut Nature.

In the glass, this sparkling wine exhibits a floral, tender, and fruity nose, with aromatic notes evolving between pear, nectarine, and melon. On the palate, it offers a fresh attack that softens while maintaining beautiful tension, leading to a pure and mineral finish.

'Pensées Nocturnes' pairs excellently with a variety of dishes. It serves as a delightful aperitif, complementing both sweet and savory appetizers, and also accompanies desserts well.

The wine's name, translating to 'Nocturnal Thoughts,' is inspired by winemaker Jérémie Batard's childhood habit of sitting on the roof to watch the stars, a memory reflected in the label's design.

'Pensées Nocturnes' showcases Domaine Batard-Langelier's dedication to traditional winemaking techniques and the expressive potential of the Muscadet terroir, offering a sparkling wine of notable charm and complexity.