The Barbaries 2018 Champagne is one of the flagships of Maxime Ponson's production. It is a vintage cuvée that expresses the power and elegance of the Petite Montagne de Reims in the 2018 vintage, which is remembered for its generosity and the extraordinary quality of its grapes.
Champagne Maxime Ponson "Barbaries" Premier Cru Nature 2018: Strength and Vintage Purity
The Barbaries Premier Cru Nature 2018 is a Champagne of great character, the fruit of Maxime Ponson's artisanal vision. Produced in the Premier Cru village of Sacy, this vintage comes from a sunny year that allowed for perfect phenolic maturity. Maxime chose the Nature (Pas Dosé) version precisely not to interfere with the natural richness of the fruit, offering a "naked," taut, and incredibly deep Champagne. It is an uncompromising wine, dedicated to those who seek the purest and most vibrant expression of the terroir.
Sensory Profile In the glass, it reveals an intense golden color with very fine and persistent bubbles. The nose is complex and layered: initially, it releases notes of quince, ripe yellow peach, and bread crust, then evolves towards hints of toasted dried fruit and a chalky mineral trail. In the mouth, the attack is powerful and vinous, supported by a solid structure typical of Pinot Noir, but balanced by a crisp and citrusy freshness. The finish is dry, saline, and very long, leaving the palate perfectly clean.
Philosophy and Winemaking Organic certified, this Champagne reflects Maxime's low-intervention approach. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts, and the wine ages long on its lees in the Maison's cellars to develop its complexity. The absence of sugar dosage (0 g/l) enhances the verticality of the sip, highlighting the quality of an exceptional vintage like 2018.
Food Pairings Given its structure and complete absence of sugar, Barbaries is an ideal companion for fine dining. It excels with dishes based on noble crustaceans (lobster, crayfish), baked fish with aromatic herbs, or structured pasta dishes like porcini mushroom risotto. It is also perfect paired with elaborate white meats or aged hard cheeses.
Technical and Identification Data
Producer: Maxime Ponson
Cuvée: Barbaries Premier Cru
Vintage: 2018
Grape varieties: Predominantly Pinot Noir and Meunier, with a portion of Chardonnay
Certification: Organic
Dosage: Nature / Pas Dosé (0 g/l)
