Jérôme Blin
Jérôme Blin is following in the footsteps of Egly-Ouriet and Jérôme Prévost with his impressive Pinot Meunier Champagnes made in the Vallée de la Marne.
After training at Maison H. Blin – a small co-operative of 30 growers founded by his grandfather Henri – Jérôme branched out from the family estate to focus on his own organic project in 2010. Alongside small quantities of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, he farms 6ha of old vine Pinot Meunier on limestone, clay, and silt soils around Vincelles.
Historically regarded as a blending component, Pinot Meunier requires laborious canopy management in the vineyard to find its ultimate expression. In Jérôme’s skilful hands the variety combines fruit-forward generosity with a supple texture and savoury edge.
Spending over 7 years on its lees, ‘Les Caillasses’ – equal parts Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay – offers an array of ripe orchard fruit and complex pastry notes marked by fresh, zesty acidity. ‘Apogée’ is a non-vintage Pinot Meunier cuvée based on 2012 (20%) and 2013 (80%): bold and spicy, it shows deliciously smoky minerality alongside a subtle oxidative character.
Jérôme produces just 500 cases each year and, given the restrictions on yields set by the CIVC, as well as some recent devastating harvests, it is no surprise that his bottles are becoming increasingly difficult to find. One of the most talked about vignerons on social media since tastings resumed after Covid, Jérôme is capturing the attention of sommeliers and Champagne lovers alike.
Jérôme Blin ‘Apogée’ Extra Brut NV (£90) Sold out
A rounded, mellow Champagne evoking baked apples, red berries, toasted almonds, and sweet spice. Soft and creamy, this is a luxurious expression of pure Pinot Meunier. Disgorged 08/20, 4g/l dosage
Jérôme Blin ‘Les Caillasses’ Brut 2011 (£105) Sold out
Rich, vinous, and dense, ‘Les Caillasses’ teeters between raw power and elegant finesse. Like a buttery, caramelised apple tart that’s been given a good squeeze of lemon juice. Disgorged 11/19, 7g/l dosage
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