Roger Coulon Coteaux Champenois 1er Cru Pinot Meunier Le Mont Moine 2020

Winery Background and History

Domaine Roger Coulon is a family-operated estate in Vrigny, Montagne de Reims, now run by the eighth generation, Eric and Isabelle Coulon. The estate spans approximately 11 hectares across more than 100 small parcels. Since 2019, farming practices have been certified organic, and the estate follows biodynamic principles. The Coulons are celebrated for their low-intervention natural winemaking approach, allowing terroir and purity of fruit to shine through in both their still and sparkling wines.

Producer and Wine Maker

Eric and Isabelle Coulon lead bottling and vineyard decisions, emphasizing authenticity and restraint. Their methods include foot-pressed or whole-cluster maceration, spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, minimal sulfur usage, and no fining or filtration. Aging is carried out in barrels—alternating between new and old—for up to 24 months before bottling. These practices aim to preserve clarity, minerality, and expressive nuance in each cuvée.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The “Le Mont Moine” plot is a 0.10-hectare site of 40-year-old Pinot Meunier vines located in Coulommes‑la‑Montagne, classified Premier Cru. With sandy, south-facing soils and excellent drainage, the site benefits from a continental-tinged climate. These growing conditions bring precision, mineral energy, and purity of fruit to the wine’s profile.

Vinification & Aging Methods

This wine is 100% Pinot Meunier. Grapes are harvested by hand and undergo foot-treading or whole-cluster fermentation with indigenous yeasts. After fermentation, the wine is aged for approximately two years in barrel, using a mix of new and older oak. There is no sulfur added, and the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered to maintain its natural expression.

Tasting Notes

On the nose, the wine exudes vivid minerality paired with silky, red-fruit elegance. The palate reveals caressing fruit textures, vibrant and refreshingly structured by fresh, tingling tannins. The finish is remarkably long and energetic, underscored by the vineyard’s precise minerality and layered subtlety.

Food & Wine Pairing

Ideal with delicately flavored poultry like roasted chicken or turkey, light game terrines, or lamb in light, acid-balanced sauces. Its refined tannins and mineral clarity also make this wine a lovely pairing with rustic pâtés or simply seared veal.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve gently chilled, between 16–18 °C, in a tulip-shaped red wine glass to showcase aromatics and structure. A short decant (10–15 minutes) can help open its nuanced layers.

Storage and Aging Potential

This wine shows strong potential to age. Thanks to its fine acidity, structured tannins, and restrained extraction, it can develop richly over 8 to 12 years, gaining depth and complexity while retaining elegance.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100% Pinot Meunier

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Approximately 12.0%