A Champagne of success and glamour since 1743. Grand Vintage Blanc 2008 is a champagne distinguished by its maturity, complexity and charisma. Aged for 7 years, Grand Vintage is a truly unique blend based on the harvest of 2008 extraordinary grapes. Although 2008 temperatures remained within the averages for the past 30 years, with regard to the past decade 2008 can nevertheless be considered a cool year, comparable to 2004 and 1998. Winter was mild and spring was, overall, grey and rainy. The summer was particularly cool but, fortunately, dry as well. September proved to be the decisive month for the 2008 vintage: the first rains were swept away by northwesterly winds favorable to the ripening and good health of the grapes as well as to proper harvesting conditions. The official harvest period extended from September 12th to September 27th. At 9°8, the potential alcohol level is consistent with the decade’s average, and it is the higher acid balance (8.6 g H2SO4/l total acidity for 2.98 pH) that is the hallmark of this vintage, which was preceded by “warmer” vintages. Not since 1995 and 1996 have similar acidity levels been seen. Another significant factor was the perfect state of health of all three grape varietals.