Vineyards and winemaking
Cuvée Roland Boulard is a Blanc de Noirs composed of 60% Pinot Meunier from the Vallée de la Marne and 40% Pinot Noir from the Massif de Saint-Thierry. Gentle pressing of the dark-skinned grapes produces clear juice, marrying Meunier's generous fruit with the structure and finesse of Pinot Noir.
The blend combines 60% wine from the 2020 harvest with 40% reserve wines. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel before secondary fermentation in bottle and 20 months on the lees. A dosage of 7.8g/l brings the finished Brut into poised balance.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Radiant gold with a fine, continuous stream of bubbles.
Nose
Pear, Mirabelle plum and grapefruit zest are layered with almond, white blossom and warm brioche.
Palate
Lively at first, then broad and creamy, with crisp apple and pear giving way to apricot, citrus peel and toasted hazelnut. Reserve wines bring depth while fresh acidity keeps the finish precise, balanced and persistent.
Food pairing
The half bottle is ideal for two aperitif pours or a smaller meal: try it with half a dozen oysters, smoked trout pâté, gougères, or crisp haddock goujons. Its combination of fruit and freshness also works well with soft-rind cheese.
Background story
This is the same Cuvée Roland Boulard as the standard bottle, presented in a convenient half-bottle format. The wine honours the estate's founder and is now made by his daughter Nathalie, her husband Benoit and a family whose next generation is already closely involved.
Our relationship began when their daughter Laurine joined Sommelier's Choice for a university placement. Champagnes sent by Benoit for her farewell barbecue showed us a hidden grower estate not then exporting its wines; that happy coincidence became a lasting collaboration and the family's route into the UK.
