Inspired by the know-how of the House around a year of harvest, this pure Chardonnay comes from a few plots of mid-slope concentrated on the vineyard of "La Côte", in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. This champagne draws from these limestone soils a singular chalky force, of an insolent and infinite freshness. Over time, it reveals the power and identity of these great terroirs.

THE VINTAGE

The 2016 vintage was characterized by particularly marked weather variations: spring was cool, wet and relatively late whereas summer was warm and dry with a heatwave in late August followed by dry and sunny weather over the harvest period which was highly beneficial to the ripening of the grapes. The Pinot noirs thrived in these dry, sunny conditions and the heat has given them an intensely fruity character and silky smooth texture. The Chardonnays are just as outstanding although more chiseled and saline in character.

TASTING NOTES

On the eye: Golden yellow hue with bright highlights. Magnificent, soft and even bubbles.

On the nose: Bouquet of white flowers (jasmine, orange blossom), citrus zest (lemon) and wheat complemented by an impression of iodine freshness, sea spray, sea breeze and powdered chalk. A few smoky notes and a reductive, calcareous quality, reminiscent of grilled almonds, emerge after aeration.

On the palate: The palate is creamy and caressing, revealing softness and finesse; coated velvet-like textures that quickly give way to fresh, marine, powdery and concentrated sensations. One has the impression of biting into a ripe, juicy fruit bursting with a lingering and mouth-watering zesty freshness. The finish is smooth, saline and stretches out like a shaft of sunshine, luminous and drying yet never brittle.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Varietals: 100% Chardonnay

Categories: Blanc de Blancs

Appellation: "La Côte" vineyard in Avize

Aging: 5 years on the lees