Anne and Philippe Gimonnet are both from families who have made Champagne for generations. In 1986 they released their first vintage of Gimonnet-Gonet. Joined by their son, Charles in 2012, the family continues their generational pursuit of great Champagne.

In 1986, they had 5 hectares of vines. Today, their estate consists of some 13.5 hectares, mostly from Chouilly, Cramant, Oiry, Oger, and Les-Mesnil-Sur-Oger, all Grand Cru Villages in the Cote des Blancs.  These are all Chardonnay vineyards. Additionally, Gimonnet-Gonet have vines in La Vallee de la Marne, in the villages of Bouquigny, Vincelles, Verneuil, and Trelou, which provide their Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

At Gimoonnet-Gonet the wine is mostly made in the vineyard. To further this pursuit, grapes from each village are pressed and vinified separately. Grapes are harvested manually. With all of their wines, there is a period of cold debourbage, where the wine’s must is left to settle under controlled temperature. Fermentation is also carried out under temperature control, in stainless steel vats, with the goal of preserving freshness. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in stainless steel for 6 months, after which there is a period of cold stabilization, followed by clay filtration. The wine is then aged between 18 and 30 months, depending on the year. A lowish dosage of 8 grams per liter is employed, and the wine is disgorged 3 months prior to release.

L’Accord Tradition

This is considered the fruitiest of all of their champagnes. It is 50/50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. As such, this is 50/50 Cote des Blancs, and Vallee de la Marne. The vines average 30 years. Cuvee Brut is made from between 25% and 45% reserve wines, depending on the year.

This is classic, vibrant and lively Champagne. Lightly toasty, fine bubbles, and golden fruit are pronounced thanks to the Chardonnay. The Pinot Noir softens the edges, and introduces some golden and pink cherry notes. While elegant as it should be, this is a great “casual Champagne” one for a Tuesday night with a bucket of chicken, or a first course salad pairing.

Cuvee d’Or

This is 100% Chardonnay from Grand Cru Villages in La Cote des Blancs, sourced from Oiry, Chouilly, Oger, Cramant, and Le Mesnil sur Oger, and from 30+ year old vines. 30%-45% of the wine comes from Reserve Wines, depending on the year. D’Or is aged between 22 and 36 months. The Dosage is a low 6 grams per liter, and disgorgement is done 3 months prior to release.  This is a profoundly citrusy wine with lemon zest, lemon oil, and even hints of grapefruit pith, as well as other exotic aromas and flavours. The bubbles are very fine, and the mouthfeel is lean and elegant. As dry and zesty as this is, food pairings are somewhat limited to crunchy, salty, and/or crispy, options include California rolls with bonito flakes, blue corn nachos with Cypress Grove Goat Gouda and pulled chicken, or popcorn with truffle oil and garlic parmesan.

L’identite Blanc de Blanc

This is 100% Chardonnay sourced from Cramant and Les Mesnil-sur-Oger. This is an immensely complex wine, with pitted fruit, toast, nuts, and some reddish notes such as persimmon, and golden cherries. The weight is such that this wine begs for beluga caviar, truffled crab omelet, or toasted brioche with sottocenere and foie gras compound butter.