Even with contributions of grapes from four neighboring like-minded organic vignerons, the total production of JM 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. The exception is the "Solessence" Extra Brut bottling whose moniker refers to the essence of soil. It comprises nearly half of the firm's total production and makes a great "calling card" for the winery. A blend of 50% Chardonnay, 40% Meunier and 10% Pinot Noir. It is composed of 50% from the 2020 vintage with 50% perpetual reserve wine. The grapes are drawn from seven crus situated in the Coteaux Sud d'Epernnay (Moussy, Pierry, Épernnay), Vallee de la Marne (Mardueil, Dizzy, Boursault), and Vertus in the Cote de Blancs. The age of the vines averages 40 years. This edition was disgorged in January of 2023 and finished with a dosage of 2g/l.
WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "Based on the 2020 vintage and disgorged in December 2022, the latest rendition of Sélèque's NV Extra Brut Solessence reveals aromas of white flowers, ripe citrus fruit, peach and almond paste. Medium-bodied, ample and pillowy, it's chalky and precise, with a bright spine of acidity and a pure, mineral finish. It's a terrific introduction to the domaine's range."
In 2008, Jean-Marc Sélèque [Say-lek], after internships in Moët Chandon's facilities in Napa Valley and in Austrailia's Yarra Valley, returned to his family's domaine in Pierry, a premier cru village just south of Épernay. Sélèque, along with his wife Oriane, embarked upon the long process of transforming their family's 22-acres of vines (split into 45 parcels) on the Côteaux Sud d'Épernay into an oasis of biodiversity and judicious small-scale winemaking. He immediately stopped the use of herbicides and implemented the practice of grass growing between the rows and using horses for shallow plowing. In 2015, Jean-Marc constructed a larger, very practical gravity-flow winery outside of Pierry to mature his cuvées in a wide variety of vessels, including oak barrels of different sizes and shapes, concrete ovoid vats and sandstone amphoras. None of his wines now are fined or filtered, and he uses only a minimal amount of sulphur at bottling. These practices and a host of other quality steps have made Sélèque's Champagnes noticeably more characterful and expressive. Today, thanks to Jean-Marc's ongoing, open-minded tinkering and refinement, his cuvées are better than ever. Last December, The Wine Advocate's William Kelley raved: "As his viticultural progress bears dividends, these wines go from strength to strength and I find myself more and more impressed with every passing release... Pierry enjoyed considerable historical celebrity, and thanks to Sélèque, it seems more than likely to regain it. Everything here comes recommended, and I warmly encourage readers to acquaint themselves with these wines."
WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "Based on the 2020 vintage and disgorged in December 2022, the latest rendition of Sélèque's NV Extra Brut Solessence reveals aromas of white flowers, ripe citrus fruit, peach and almond paste. Medium-bodied, ample and pillowy, it's chalky and precise, with a bright spine of acidity and a pure, mineral finish. It's a terrific introduction to the domaine's range."
In 2008, Jean-Marc Sélèque [Say-lek], after internships in Moët Chandon's facilities in Napa Valley and in Austrailia's Yarra Valley, returned to his family's domaine in Pierry, a premier cru village just south of Épernay. Sélèque, along with his wife Oriane, embarked upon the long process of transforming their family's 22-acres of vines (split into 45 parcels) on the Côteaux Sud d'Épernay into an oasis of biodiversity and judicious small-scale winemaking. He immediately stopped the use of herbicides and implemented the practice of grass growing between the rows and using horses for shallow plowing. In 2015, Jean-Marc constructed a larger, very practical gravity-flow winery outside of Pierry to mature his cuvées in a wide variety of vessels, including oak barrels of different sizes and shapes, concrete ovoid vats and sandstone amphoras. None of his wines now are fined or filtered, and he uses only a minimal amount of sulphur at bottling. These practices and a host of other quality steps have made Sélèque's Champagnes noticeably more characterful and expressive. Today, thanks to Jean-Marc's ongoing, open-minded tinkering and refinement, his cuvées are better than ever. Last December, The Wine Advocate's William Kelley raved: "As his viticultural progress bears dividends, these wines go from strength to strength and I find myself more and more impressed with every passing release... Pierry enjoyed considerable historical celebrity, and thanks to Sélèque, it seems more than likely to regain it. Everything here comes recommended, and I warmly encourage readers to acquaint themselves with these wines."
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