Esperluette is French for ampersand, and the label distinguishes itself from Prévost's other wines by a large & on the label.
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This bottling offered Prévost yet another opportunity to show that he has the magic touch with the Pinot Meunier grape. The Esperluette showcases the finesse and lift that Prévost can tease out of the grape.
The first vintage of Esperluette was 2018. A portion of the wine comes from Prevost's Béguines vineyard, and the rest comes from other sites in the village of Gueux.
Prévost's village, Gueux, is home to unique soils. Champagne's famous chalky soils are buried deep underneath a mix of sand and calcareous clay, laden with sea fossils. Judging from Prévost's wines, something really special happens to Meunier here.
We've told Prévost's story many times, but it's extraordinary enough to repeat it once more. The tale begins with a 21-year-old who inherited his grandmother's 2.2 hectares of Meunier (the ugly stepchild of Champagne grapes) in an obscure corner in the northwest of Montagne de Reims.
For over 10 years, he simply sold off the grapes. In 1998, his friend Anselme Selosse convinced him to start making his own wines. Things took off quickly from there. By 2006, his wines had captured the world's attention. Finding them today, in any quantity, has become incredibly difficult.
The 2021 Esperluette has riveting energy and a saline cut. There are beautiful aromatics of stone fruits and white flowers. Everything is presented with a tension-filled drive.
I'm happy to have another opportunity to offer the 2021 La Closerie "&", especially at this sharp price.
To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Ian McFadden
Director, Fine & Rare
Crush Wine & Spirits
