Domaine Les Monts Fournois
Vallée, Aÿ Grand Cru
Le Domaine les Monts Fournois is presenting here this cuvée after a rigorous and precise search for the best terroirs of Premier and Grand Crus in Champagne. With these wines they would like to highlight the real expression of a terroir, a varietal and a vintage. These Crus have been sélectionnés by winemaker Juliette Alips and her cousins Raphaël & Vincent Bérêche.
Vintage Factsheets
AŸ is the most historically esteemed Champagne village, for the exceptional quality of its wine. Sunny and chalky, AŸ reflects the junction of different soils, chalky and rocky, generally south facing. AŸ is a unique appellation with various folds, exposition and elevations in its landscape as well as its proximity to the Marne River.
- Region
- Champagne
- Appellation
- Vallée de la Marne
- Sub-Appellation
- Champagne AOP
- Varietal Composition
- Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
- Aging
- 9 years on the lees.
- Alcohol
- 12.5%
This 2013 bears elegant witness to a great Pinot Noir terroir; AY. The first nose is fine and delicate, then reveals the power of the terroir. AY is high, AY is great. The delicacy of fresh flowers mingles with fine notes of gunflint, revealing the rock, then the power of the soil. Aromas of smoky chalk emerge, the complexity is great due to the full maturity of the 2013 vintage.
Jeb Dunnuck
97+ Points
2013
"The third of the trio, the 2013 Champagne Grand Cru Ay Vallée is a brighter, more Verzy-like color on opening and is all about elegance on the nose, but its electric structure has breadth while remaining compact. Made from 80% Pinot Noir, it has fabulous energy, with its orange zest shining on the palate, and it becomes more generous aromatically and texturally as it opens. The nose is deep, with ripe but bright red fruits, and the palate is long. This one has the most nervous energy of the three and, in my opinion, requires more time. As it opens, the light toast quality emerges and brings everything together. Drink 2026-2056. All three of the 2013s have 2.5 grams per liter dosage."
— Audrey Frick, 2025
Vinous
91 Points
2013
"The 2013 Vallee Grand Cru, 100% Pinot Noir from Ay, is laced with chalk, red-toned fruit, white pepper and mint. Its power and overall persistence are classic Ay. There is a bit of rusticity in the flavor profile and textural feel, yet the 2013 has plenty to offer. Its slightly edgy personality will be less of an issue at the dinner table, which is where Champagnes like this shine."
— Antonio Galloni, 2024
