We tasted: De Sousa Zoemie Umami 2009

After tasting in October last year the fabulous Mycorhize, we had to try the Umami, a cuvée that promises to integrate the umami taste discovered in Japan (better said named umami by Japanese, as it was actually discovered in 1825 by Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, who called his discovery osmazome) to a champagne bottle. Also present in Mycorhize, the umami taste is more instant into the Zoemie Umami cuvée, as a result of the special care De Sousa house put into the biodynamic winemaking and selective blends. Their efforts in creating outstanding and original cuvées looks now more like pure science than ever. And the outcome is superlative: Mycorhize, cuvée des Caudalies and Zoemie Umami are references in terms of excellence in Champagne. We will write an extensive tasting report about cuvée des Caudalies soon, but until then let’s focus on our today’s subject: Zoemie Umami 2009.

Built with a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, all Grand Crus vieilles vignes originals from Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, cuvée Umami 2009 is the well earned fruit of successful implementation of comprehensive biodynamic methods into their vineyards. This allows the soil to have its own life, to breathe and develop those microorganisms that boost the complexity of the organoleptic elements into the grapes. After being carefully hand collected, the grapes undergone their first fermentation into oak barrels, including malolactic fermentation, stirring of the lees (bâtonnage), shaking (poignetage) and long ageing of 9 years in the cellars.

In the glass, it looks quite clear, despite being unfiltered, with delicate bubbles. On the nose is elegant but not opulent, is complex but not overwhelming, it still keeps its pure freshness alongside white flowers, honey, white mushrooms, fresh bread and hints of cerise. On the palate is long, balanced, mineral and incredibly complex with notes of apricots, brioche, mushrooms and honey. At the end it exhibit a pleasant salinity. Long elegant and mineral aftertaste. This cuvée is a masterpiece of taste and a supreme delight for any champagne lover.