Roger Coulon Coteaux Champenois Rouge 1er Cru Pinot Meunier 'Coulommes La Montagne' 2019

Winery Background and History

Domaine Roger Coulon, situated in Vrigny on the Montagne de Reims, is an eighth-generation, family-run estate headed by Eric and Isabelle Coulon. Founded on land their family has nurtured since the early 19th century, the estate gained momentum when Eric officially established “Roger Coulon et Fils” in 1991. They are renowned for small-lot, terroir-driven wines, with a natural winemaking ethos including biodynamic/aligned farming, minimal intervention, and a profound respect for the land’s expressive character.

Producer and Wine Maker

Eric and Isabelle Coulon, assisted by their son Edgar and daughter Louise, oversee both vineyard management and cellar work. Their natural and artisanal approach includes whole-bunch or foot-trod fermentation, indigenous yeasts, minimal sulfur use, and barrel aging without fining or filtration. Their goal is to produce wines that are transparent expressions of the terroir and vintage, with clarity, structure, and elegance.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

This cuvée is sourced exclusively from a 0.10-hectare plot called “Le Mont Moine” in Coulommes-la-Montagne, classified Premier Cru. These south-facing vines (around 40 years old) thrive in sandy, well-drained soils under a continental-influenced microclimate. The site imparts bright minerality, purity of fruit, and dynamic tension to the wine.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Crafted from 100% Pinot Meunier, the grapes are harvested by hand and whole-cluster fermented using foot-treading or semi-carbonic methods. Fermentation occurs with native yeasts, and the wine is aged for two years in barrels (a combination of one new and one used barrel). The wine undergoes no sulfur addition, filtration, or fining.

Tasting Notes

The nose is vivid with silky fruit and pronounced minerality. On the palate, the texture is caressing with fresh, tingling tannins that sustain energy throughout the very long finish. The wine balances elegance and intensity with refined structure and expressive clarity.

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine shines alongside light poultry dishes like chicken or turkey, game terrines, and elegant cold cuts. Its vibrant fruit, refined tannins, and mineral spine also harmonize with preparations featuring veal or lamb in subtly acidic sauces.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve gently chilled at 16–18 °C in a tulip-shaped red wine glass. Allow slight aeration to enhance its aromatic clarity and structural expression.

Storage and Aging Potential

The wine exhibits strong aging potential. Its acidity, fine tannin structure, and depth suggest it can evolve gracefully over 8–12 years, developing complexity while maintaining purity.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100% Pinot Meunier

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Approximately 12%