J-M Sélèque "Solessence Rosé" Lot 2020 Champagne Extra Brut

Jean-Marc Sélèque came back to his family domaine in the Coteaux Sud d’Epernay in 2008. The Coteaux is a part of the Vallée de la Marne that runs south of Epernay, mirroring the landscape of the Côte des Blancs, situated just to the east. As the terroir and exposition here is similar to the Côtes des Blancs, you find mostly Chardonnay planted in this area of the Vallée de la Marne. Jean-Marc has vines in seven villages – Pierry, Moussy, Epernay, Dizy, Mardeuil, Boursault, and Vertus (in the Côte des Blancs).

Standing in Jean-Marc’s vineyards in Pierry, the work in the vineyards is evident. No herbicides have been used since 2008. Work is completely biodynamic in Pierry, Moussy, Epernay and Dizy (covering 4 of the 7.5 hectares). As Jean-Marc is a one-man show, he cannot make biodynamic treatments in all of his vineyards, so he farms organically for the vineyards that are farthest away from the winery. If absolutely necessary, he will use a synthetic treatment for mildew, as he prefers it to using too much copper-sulfur in his vineyards. In 2014, all vineyards were farmed 100% organically, and no synthetic treatments for mildew were necessary.

The vines average 35-40 years old and efforts are made to keep yields down. 

In the cellar, Jean-Marc is using mostly stainless steel, but is increasing the amount of wine fermented and aged in 300L and 600L barrels (currently about 35% of production.) Wild yeasts start fermentations in barrel and in stainless, but Jean-Marc will use a neutral yeast from Champagne if necessary. Malolactic fermentation happens naturally- it is not induced or blocked- so it occurs as it will, on some barrels or tanks and not on others.

45% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir from seven villages: three villages in the Coteaux Sud d'Epernay (Pierry, Moussy, and Epernay); Vallée de la Marne (Mardeuil, Dizy, and Boursault); and from Vertus in the Côte des Blancs. Based on 2015 vintage, with 40% of perpetual reserve wine aged in barrels. The pink color comes from a combination of a short maceration (saignée) Pinot Meunier, combined with the traditional method of blending in still Pinot Noir. The still reds are from Pierry and aged in barrel. Aged on the lees for 18-30 months.