Description
Chalk subsoils capped by thin layers of clay and sand define the southeast facing premier cru vineyards of Villers Marmery, an unusual Chardonnay enclave on the Montagne de Reims and the source of the 2014 Special Club Brut Blanc de Blancs from A. Margaine. The vintage began under cool conditions before stabilizing later in the season, prompting the family to focus on disciplined canopy management, controlled yields, and soil work intended to preserve equilibrium across their small parcels. Fruit was harvested by hand and pressed using traditional Coquard presses, with fermentations carried out in stainless steel and maintained on a lot by lot basis to track structural differences linked to variable chalk depth. Following assemblage, the committee approved Special Club blend was bottled for secondary fermentation and matured extensively on lees in accordance with the cahier des charges. Within the Margaine portfolio, the 2014 Special Club Blanc de Blancs operates as a reference for evaluating Chardonnay expression in Villers Marmery during cooler years, informing decisions related to reserve wine composition, parcel renewal, and long term clonal selection.