Why it matters
The producer
Champagne Esterlin is a cooperative Champagne house with a grape base led by Meunier, supported by Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Its range includes the non vintage Brut Éclat, Blanc de Blancs Éclat and Brut Nature 2009. The cellar leaves malolactic fermentation out of the process, while extended bottle ageing allows texture to develop before release.
Three families, Fransoret, Dehu and Cadestin, founded the cooperative in 1948. In 1983, the house adopted the name Esterlin, taken from an old currency from which the British term sterling derives. The new name became the name on the bottles and across the wine range.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Champagne Esterlin's headquarters sits on Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, where it is the only Champagne cooperative on the street. The house draws fruit from the Coteaux d'Épernay, the Vallée de la Marne and the Sézannais. Several Champagne growing areas therefore feed the same cooperative cellar.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
Malolactic fermentation is left out of the cellar, so malic acidity stays sharper. Extended bottle ageing gives time for texture to develop around that acidity. Reserve wines pass through a Solera, a permanent reserve system that combines wines from different years through successive additions. Esterlin also holds HVE certification.
Wines to know
The range in view
Brut Éclat is the non vintage cuvée. Blanc de Blancs Éclat is a Blanc de Blancs, a Champagne style made from white grapes. Brut Nature 2009 is the vintage bottling, and Brut Nature means no added dosage. The three wines differ through release format, grape style and dosage.
Brut Éclat is fresh and expressive, with green apple, pear and apricot joined by lemon and mineral notes. The palate is balanced and lively, finishing crisp, refreshing and long.