JM Seleque 'Solessence' Extra Brut NV
(Champagne, France) - [WA 92] [JD 92] [VM 91] [JS 91]

About the Winery:
After returning to his family domaine in 2008,  Jean-Marc Sélèque, a third generation grower, alongside his wife Oriane, are making a strong case for the incredible terroirs of the Marne Valley. Today, he owns about 9 hectares in 45 parcels spread out over 7 villages mainly on the southern slopes of Épernay. 

The cornerstone of the “Sélèque” style revolves around the search for a wine’s natural balance and a pure expression of terroir. Rigorous work in the vineyard, healthy and perfectly ripe fruit, no vinification trickery, the smallest possible amount of sulfur, extended lees aging sur latte and extremely limited use of dosage - these are just some of the elements that result in wines that are vibrant and alive. 

About the Wine:
This cuvée represents the identity of the house. The goal is for a pure and crystalline expression in all circumstances. 50% Chardonnay, 40% Meunier, 10% Pinot Noir Villages: Pierry, Moussy, Epernay, Mardeuil, Dizy, Boursault, Vertus Soil: Mostly flinty clay on chalky subsoil Vinification: 70% Stainless steel vats, 30% oak barrels. No fining or filtration. Dosage: 2g/L - Extra Brut

Viticulture:
Since taking the reins, Jean-Marc has become an advocate for more ecologically balanced viticulture and does admirable work with his small team, adopting from the end of the 2000s inter-row plowing (partly by horse) and grassing, taking particular care pruning for better control of yields, applying plant-based preparations to preserve the microbial life of the soil and promote the natural resistance of the plant. All this on a very fragmented inheritance of 9 hectares: the estate has no less than 45 plots spread over 7 villages, going as far as the Côte des Blancs, in Vertus. He counts himself lucky to have inherited significant old vine plots with massale selection plantings (more than 40 years on average and aims to produce an authentic expression of the Coteaux Sud d’Épernay. 

Vinification:
Jean-Marc is seeking refinement and harmony through judicious blends of wines vinified in vats, barrels and concrete eggs, with or without malolactic fermentation. Overall he employs the smallest possible amount of sulfur; extended aging sur latte; and extremely limited use of dosage

Terroir:
The village of Pierry is located between the Cote de Blancs to the southeast and the Vallée de la Marne to the northwest, in the hills south of Épernay in an area known as the Coteaux Sud d' Epernay, first recognized in 1996. This area has a complicated diversity of soils, primarily flint clay soils on a chalk subsoil.  In addition, here, the vines are mostly oriented to the South and South-East, thus favoring a good maturity of the grapes. Jean-Marc has well-integrated these growing conditions to produce a style of wines with little (or no) dosage, deep and pulpy, with a rich and always very pure aroma, and perfectly adjusted mineral tension.

Ratings & Reviews:

92 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Based on the 2020 vintage and disgorged in December 2022, the latest rendition of Sélèque's NV Extra Brut Solessence reveals aromas of white flowers, ripe citrus fruit, peach and almond paste. Medium-bodied, ample and pillowy, it's chalky and precise, with a bright spine of acidity and a pure, mineral finish. It's a terrific introduction to the domaine's range.” – William Kelley (Dec 2023)

92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Coming from the Coteaux Sud d'Epernay with an average vine age of 40 years old, the NV Champagne Solessence Extra Brut is a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 40% Meunier and the rest Pinot Noir based on the 2021 harvest. Pouring a bright straw yellow hue, the nose is layered and inviting, and with aromas of lemon merengue, baked pastry, fresh flowers, and poached pear. The palate is coiled and chalky, with a more citrus-driven profile, a crunchy, bright salinity, and a clean, stony finish. I really enjoy the focus of this wine, and it’s going to be delightful as it opens up a bit more over the coming 6-12 months. Drink 2025-2035. Disgorged in October of 2023, with 2 grams per liter of dosage." - Audrey Frick (Dec 2024)

91 Points - Vinous Media:
"The NV Extra Brut Solessence is a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 40% Meunier and 10% Pinot Noir, half based on 2020, half on a perpetual reserve. It is immediately rich and rounded with mellow apple and apple crumble notes, with a lemon zest overtone. The palate is just as mellow with the milder acidity of 2020 but layered complexity and saltiness from the perpetual reserve. This is fresh, bright, vivid, with still youthful mousse, but the mid-palate packs quite a punch. Lovely depth for a relatively short-aged wine. The low dosage is well pitched to highlight lemon and salt rather than roundness. The finish shines with some umami and the freshness form the reserve wines. Dosage is 2gr/L. Disgorged: December, 2022. - Anne Krebiehl MW (Nov 2023)

91 Points - James Suckling:
"Fruity and fragrant on the nose, with notes of orange zest, pear skins, apples and hazelnuts. Medium-bodied, juicy and very drinkable, with lemony acidity and a creamy mousse. 50% chardonnay, 40% meunier and 10% pinot noir, of which 50% reserve wines. Disgorged December 2022. 2g/L dosage. Drink now." (July 2023)