Hi-Time's 12 Champagnes of Christmas
The Orban house, headquartered in the hamlet of Leuvrigny (some fifteen miles west of Reims), was founded by Léopold Orban in 1929 making him one of Champagne's first récoltant-manipulants. In 1999, Léopold's great grandson, François, took over as proprietor at the tender age of 19. Today he tends 18 acres of 30-40-year-old vineyards in and around the villages of Leuvrigny and Sainte-Gemme. His vines enjoy a predominately sunny south/south-east exposure while the region's sandy clay and limestone rich soils are perfectly suited to the Meunier grape. This Extra Brut was fermented with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. It was then blended with 50% Reserve wine and was aged for 27 months on the yeast before being disgorged in July of 2024 with a dosage of just 3 g/l. This 100% Meunier bubbly displays an active but fine effervescence which releases effusive aromas of yellow plums, nectarines, ginger and queen anne cherries. Medium bodied, this an easy drinking yet elegantly dry Champagne that proffers an array of tangy stone fruit and citrus flavors accented with saline inflections and hints of brioche. A swanky crowd-pleaser that is sure to charm aficionados and novices alike.
The Orban house, headquartered in the hamlet of Leuvrigny (some fifteen miles west of Reims), was founded by Léopold Orban in 1929 making him one of Champagne's first récoltant-manipulants. In 1999, Léopold's great grandson, François, took over as proprietor at the tender age of 19. Today he tends 18 acres of 30-40-year-old vineyards in and around the villages of Leuvrigny and Sainte-Gemme. His vines enjoy a predominately sunny south/south-east exposure while the region's sandy clay and limestone rich soils are perfectly suited to the Meunier grape. This Extra Brut was fermented with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. It was then blended with 50% Reserve wine and was aged for 27 months on the yeast before being disgorged in July of 2024 with a dosage of just 3 g/l. This 100% Meunier bubbly displays an active but fine effervescence which releases effusive aromas of yellow plums, nectarines, ginger and queen anne cherries. Medium bodied, this an easy drinking yet elegantly dry Champagne that proffers an array of tangy stone fruit and citrus flavors accented with saline inflections and hints of brioche. A swanky crowd-pleaser that is sure to charm aficionados and novices alike.
