Champagne Mélat 1973 "Carte Or" - Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru - Cramant

Champagne Mélat "Gold Card" 1973 - The Memory of the Terroirs of Cramant

1973: A Vintage of Finesse and Aging

The 1973 vintage is often cited by connoisseurs of old wines for its timeless elegance. In the Côte des Blancs, the Chardonnays of that year developed remarkable complexity. This "Carte Or" from Maison Mélat testifies to the aging potential of the great wines of that era, offering today a sensory experience that only wines over 50 years old can provide.

The Mélat House: The Legacy of a Cramant Family

Founded in 1894 in Cramant, Maison Mélat was a renowned négociant-manipulant (wine merchant and producer) known for the quality of its grapes sourced from one of Champagne's most prized villages. Cramant is famous for its pure chalk soils, which impart a richer, creamier texture to its Blanc de Blancs than elsewhere. This bottle is one of the last remaining examples of this now-defunct house, a true collector's item for micro-terroir enthusiasts.

Condition of the Bottle and Storage

This bottle comes from a natural underground cellar in Épernay, guaranteeing the wine's perfect stability. While the "Gold" label and capsule bear the marks of time and the cellar's humidity (the capsule is torn, revealing the wire cage), the essentials are preserved: the fill level is perfect, the color is vibrant, and the cork shows no signs of weakness or leakage. It's the ideal bottle for those who prioritize the quality of the wine over the aesthetic perfection of the packaging.

WUAT's Review: A Hidden Gem at a Great Price

The 1973 Mélat Champagne is what we call a "tasting bottle." Because the brand is less well-known and the label has a patina, we offer this wine at an extremely competitive price. This is a unique opportunity to acquire a 1973 Blanc de Blancs in perfect drinking condition without breaking the bank.

Service Tips

We recommend serving between 7°C and 8°C. Handle the cork carefully when opening. Use a tulip-shaped white wine glass to allow the tertiary aromas to be released gradually. This wine will be superb with aged Comté cheese or white meat in a sauce.