NV Champagne Maurice Vesselle La Cuvee 53 Grand Cru Champagne 750 ml

Maurice Vesselle La Cuvée 53 Grand Cru Champagne is a beautiful representation of Champagne’s Grand Cru terroir—and an exemplar of a distinct style.

The winery, in the heart of Grand Cru village Bouzy, is run by brothers Didier and Thierry Vesselle, who continue the work their father Maurice began in 1955. They own about 17 acres spread across 100% Grand Cru vineyards in Bouzy and Tours-sur-Marne, where the focus has always been on expressing the power and elegance that this terroir can deliver.

Their Cuvée 53 Grand Cru Extra Brut showcases exactly what makes this house distinctive: They forgo malolactic fermentation.

A little refresher on what we call “malo.” Grapes contain malic acid, the sharp acid that you find in apples. During the winemaking process, that acid is converted by lactic acid bacteria (it’s not really a “fermentation” but a bacterial conversion) into lactic acid, the kind you find in dairy. Imagine biting into a green apple. Then imagine taking a cool sip of milk (not right after the apple, of course). That difference—sharpness vs. smooth creaminess—sums up the difference between the two acids. It also illustrates what is achieved during malo. 

Malolactic fermentation can happen naturally, it can be induced—and it can be prevented (usually using low temperatures). By blocking malo, the Vesselle brothers preserve the natural freshness and linear precision that allows their Pinot Noir to speak clearly. The result is Champagne with real backbone—powerful fruit framed by remarkable finesse, showing both the muscle you'd expect from Grand Cru Bouzy and the refinement that comes from careful winemaking.

The Vesselle wines age beautifully. In fact, they have an extensive library of vintages dating back to 1976, a testament to both their long-term vision and the aging potential of their wines. These are Champagnes built to evolve, although this one is drinking beautifully now. Showing a golden core, it’s got aromas of citrus balm, quince, and apricot, with a layer of crushed roasted almonds and a hint of ginger. The palate is lush at the core, with vibrant acidity and a long-lasting finish that demands another sip. 

Enjoy this elegant Grand Cru!