Vineyards and winemaking
Réserve 22 is drawn from Premier Cru vineyards in Chigny-les-Roses, Rilly-la-Montagne and Ludes in the Montagne de Reims. The cuvée combines 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Meunier from chalk-rich sites whose cool, north-influenced conditions encourage slow ripening and retained acidity.
The base wines ferment in stainless steel and complete malolactic fermentation before blending and a second fermentation in bottle. More than three years on the lees develops texture and autolytic complexity, while a carefully judged dosage balances the Champagne without obscuring its freshness.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Pale gold with a fine, persistent stream of bubbles.
Nose
Crisp apple, white peach and lemon are layered with brioche, almond and a light floral note.
Palate
Lively and precise, with pear and citrus supported by a creamy mousse. Pinot Noir provides shape, Chardonnay brings freshness, and Meunier contributes a gentle fruit softness. Chalky salinity and toasted hazelnut linger on the refined finish.
Food pairing
Serve with oysters, smoked-salmon pâté, seared scallops or a chicken and tarragon terrine. Its combination of freshness and breadth also works well with a mild, creamy cheese such as Chaource.
Background story
Champagne Duménil was founded in 1874 and remains an independent family grower. Frédérique Poret, the founder’s great-granddaughter, and her husband Hugues now oversee the estate’s Premier Cru vineyards across the Montagne de Reims.
Réserve 22 expresses the house style through a Pinot Noir-led blend and prolonged cellar maturation. It is designed to combine the accessibility of a non-vintage Champagne with the additional depth provided by carefully held reserve wines and more than three years on the lees.
