Vintage 2018 Blanc de blancs
BLEND
100% Chardonnay
Vintage 2018 Blanc de Blancs is 100% pure Chardonnay, the classic white grape variety, and as such more than lives up to its name. It reflects the remarkable character of the vintage, having more than proved its resistance and resilience faced with the many uncertainties experienced in the Champagne vineyards in 2018. The grapes are sourced from Premiers Crus in Cuis and Grauves, and also from the Coteaux du Sézannais and Petit Morin which link the Marne and Aube rivers, while more generous Chardonnays hale from the Vallée de la Marne and Montagne de Reims. This is an elegant wine of remarkable freshness, to which the exceptional vintage brings longevity and added
depth of soul.
Aged at least 5 years in the cellars.
THE 2018 VINTAGE
Autumn and winter were dull, grey and spectacularly wet. With the ground utterly sodden, heavy and sticky, work in the vineyard proved particularly tough. When a freezing snap hit the region in February, temperatures of – 15.1°C were recorded in Reims at the end of the month. Spring got off to a rainy start, followed by a sudden spate of fine weather in April which kickstarted the vine into action. May was unseasonably cool, until summer arrived early, ushering in temperatures nudging 30°C and abundant sunshine. The vine flourished in these conditions, with growth 10 days ahead
of the 10-year average. Summer weather set in throughout July and August and the vine continued to grow steadily. By harvest, the vines were in pristine health, with an abundance of bunches displaying sugar levels and aromatics well above the norm.
Appearance: appealing pale gold with delicate flashes of silver. The champagne gleams and glistens in tune with the effervescence. The bubbles are gossamer-fine and dynamic, suggesting a wine full of promise.
Nose: sweet, floral primary aromas, redolent of mimosa and white flowers.As the wine begins to breathe, new, more pastry-like aromas, of fresh butter and white bread, come to the fore.
Palate: impressively lively and nimble on the palate, fresh and minty, succeeded by delectable fruity aromas of pear and apricot. Upfront, lean and elegant in structure. Full of vitality on the finish expressed through citrus freshness, and an overriding pink grapefruit dimension to stimulate the palate.
Understandably considered an excellent choice as an apéritif, Vintage 2018 Blanc de Blancs also excels alongside the subtle freshness of refined, mineral dishes such as scallops, lobster, langoustine, seabream or a plate of oysters.
Also a delight with hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Mimolette, or a fresh goats’ cheese with a hint of black or Espelette pepper.
Blanc de Blancs Champagne
3 main grape varieties are used in the composition of champagne: Chardonnay, a grape with white skin and white juice, Pinot Noir and Meunier, two grapes with black skin and white juice.
A Blanc de Blancs champagne is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes: it is the most sought-after grape variety in champagne because it brings finesse, elegance, freshness and liveliness to the wine.
On tasting, Chardonnay brings citrus fruit aromas. But, after a few years of evolution, it develops notes of candied fruit, toasted bread, brioche and pastries.
2018 in Champagne
Autumn and winter were dull, grey and spectacularly wet. With the ground utterly sodden, heavy and sticky, work in the vineyard proved particularly tough. When a freezing snap hit the region in February, temperatures of – 15.1°C were recorded in Reims at the end of the month. Spring got off to a rainy start, followed by a sudden spate of fine weather in April which kickstarted the vine into action. May was unseasonably cool, until summer arrived early, ushering in temperatures nudging 30°C and abundant sunshine. The vine flourished in these conditions, with growth 10 days ahead
of the 10-year average. Summer weather set in throughout July and August and the vine continued to grow steadily. By harvest, the vines were in pristine health, with an abundance of bunches displaying sugar levels and aromatics well above the norm.
