Champagne De Saint Gall - Brut Vintage 1971 - Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru

De Saint Gall 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs 1971 - The Power of Chardonnay

The 1971 vintage is considered one of the three greatest Champagnes of the 20th century. This bottle is the ultimate 55th birthday gift, combining historical rarity with a reasonable price.

1971: A Legendary Year in Champagne

The 1971 vintage is often described as the "vintage of the century" by purists, alongside 1921 and 1947. Characterized by a very small harvest but exceptional aromatic intensity, this year produced wines with a perfect balance of acidity and sugar. The 1971 Blanc de Blancs are today treasures of complexity, having retained a surprising freshness thanks to the power of their terroir.

From Saint Gall: The Excellence of Avize

De Saint Gall represents the elite of the Côte des Blancs winemakers. Based in Avize, this estate enjoys privileged access to the finest Chardonnay terroirs. This 1971 Premier Cru vintage perfectly illustrates the expertise of the era: rigorous selection and precise vinification designed for exceptional aging. The 77cl format, standard at the time, adds a further touch of authenticity to this collector's item.

Tasting Notes: A 55-Year Journey

This 1971 vintage is in a phase of sumptuous maturity:

• Dress: Patinated gold, brilliant, with total clarity testifying to flawless preservation.
• Nose: A profusion of roasted hazelnut, flower honey, blond tobacco and candied citrus. A touch of chalky minerality underlines the whole.
• Palate: The attack is direct, followed by a dense and silky texture. The bubbles have become a creamy caress. Notes of toasted brioche and dried fruit emerge, leading to an incredibly persistent, saline finish.

Impeccable Condition

Originating from a natural cellar in Épernay, this bottle has benefited from perfect hygrometric and thermal stability. The fill level is optimal (below the capsule), the color is vibrant, and the capsule is perfectly preserved. Although the label bears the marks of time and cellar humidity, it remains complete and perfectly legible, guaranteeing the origin of this exceptional wine.

WUAT's Opinion: The Best Price/Enjoyment Ratio of the Vintage

While prices from major négociants for the 1971 vintage are skyrocketing, De Saint Gall offers a serious and exciting alternative. In our opinion, it represents one of the best price-to-emotion ratios for anyone wishing to enjoy a fifty-year-old Champagne in impeccable condition.

Service Tips

Serve between 7°C and 8°C. We recommend opening the bottle 15 to 20 minutes before tasting to allow the bouquet to open up. Use a wine glass rather than a narrow flute. This wine will be sublime with Breton lobster or an aged hard cheese such as a mature Comté.