Based in the in the Coteaux Sud d'Épernay village of Pierrry, the Champagnes of Jean Marque Sélèque's tiny domaine have earned well deserved critical acclaim. Kristaps Karklins, of The Wine Advocate, writes: "Jean-Marc Sélèque stands among the most dynamic young producers in Champagne... As his viticultural progress bears dividends, these wines go from strength to strength." Under his stewardship since 2008, the estate has embraced many biodynamic principles, parcel-by-parcel vinification and yield reduction measures. A state-of-the-art winery (completed in 2015) enables gentle gravity-flow transfers while large barrels are employed for micro-oxygenation. Even with contributions of grapes from four neighboring like-minded organic vignerons, the total production of J-M Sélèque is less than 10,000 cases a year divided among a diverse portfolio of 12 cuvées - most of which are never seen in the U.S.
WINE ADVOCATE 95+ POINTS - "The standout bottling in the Soliste series this year, the 2019 Soliste Pinot Noir Pierry 1er Cru Les Gayères originates from west-facing Pinot Noir vines planted in 1974, where clay and silt rest atop chalk subsoils. Fermented and matured entirely in oak barrels (approximately 20% new), it was disgorged in March 2024 with a dosage of two grams per liter. The nose is redolent of peach, bitter orange and dried flowers mingled with pastry and a faint hint of resin. Medium- to full-bodied, it is concentrated and layered—ample and balanced—with succulent yet racy acidity and a long, saline finish. Like the rest of the Soliste range, this wine is sourced from a parcel cultivated exclusively by horse."
WINE ADVOCATE 95+ POINTS - "The standout bottling in the Soliste series this year, the 2019 Soliste Pinot Noir Pierry 1er Cru Les Gayères originates from west-facing Pinot Noir vines planted in 1974, where clay and silt rest atop chalk subsoils. Fermented and matured entirely in oak barrels (approximately 20% new), it was disgorged in March 2024 with a dosage of two grams per liter. The nose is redolent of peach, bitter orange and dried flowers mingled with pastry and a faint hint of resin. Medium- to full-bodied, it is concentrated and layered—ample and balanced—with succulent yet racy acidity and a long, saline finish. Like the rest of the Soliste range, this wine is sourced from a parcel cultivated exclusively by horse."
