NV R. Pouillon et Fils Brut Solera 1er Cru
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Sourced exclusively from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, grown on clay-rich chalk soils, the NV Premier Cru Solera is composed of equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and incorporates vintages dating back to 1997, with 30% of the blend from the 2019 harvest. It opens with aromas of orange zest, pear, fennel seeds, warm brioche and a hint of Timut pepper. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, bright and seamless, exhibiting striking complexity. Ample chalky extract and tangy acidity underscore its structure, while the mousse remains persistent. After drawing off 30% for this bottling in 2021, the reserve was then, as ever, refreshed with wine from the new vintage, which underwent its first year of maturation in small oak barrels—ensuring the foudre remains full ahead of the next tirage. As Fabrice explains, refreshing with 30% is sufficient to guard against oxidation, whereas 50% could overly dilute the solera’s complexity. This cuvée was disgorged in December 2024 with a dosage of three grams per liter.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The NV Champagne Premier Cru Solera Extra Brut is an equal mix of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the youngest component is from 2020. With a nose that’s both savory and fresh, it’s so expressive now, capturing salinity, and it has the backbone of this fruity vintage. However, there is an underlying saltiness and some flinty reduction as well as fantastic purity in the fruit. The Pinot Noir is what shines in this wine, which really improves a full day after opening. This is a wine that can handle decanting, as it’s aged in a large foudre and undergoes more than 4 years of aging prior to release. Drink it any time over the coming two decades, but there’s no need to wait. I love it. Founded in 1947 by Roger Pouillon, this estate is now led by Fabrice Pouillon, who continues the family legacy by combining respect for the terroir with innovative techniques. Fabrice has built a new winery where the 2025 wines are now being raised.
The NV Brut Premier Cru Solera ("Brut Vigneron") I am describing here assembles all the vintages from 2010 back to 1997, and is a 50/50 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend. The wine opens very pure, fresh and intense on the nose, and this is repeated on the palate, which reveals a great purity and salinity. There is also great tension and finesse here.