Réserve Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru

Crystalline and spicy, with a precision you can taste. Creamy texture and racy acidity hold each other in balance, while the saline chalk sets the direction.

The grapes come from Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs: Avize, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Chouilly. Beneath lies deep chalk soil topped with a thin layer of clay. The average vine age exceeds 40 years, with many vines considerably older, yielding concentrated musts. Ploughing is done with the horses Vidoc and Capucine to avoid soil compaction and deepen the vines' rooting into the chalk. Organic certification followed in 2010, Demeter certification in 2013.

100% Chardonnay. Hand-harvested, gentle pressing, spontaneous fermentation; ageing takes place mainly in stainless steel, complemented by a portion in wood with bâtonnage. Around 25–30% reserve wines from older vintages lend continuity and depth. The wine is neither fined nor filtered and matures at least two years on the lees. After disgorgement it receives about 5 g/l dosage, making it Extra Brut. 12.5% ABV.

The nose moves from brioche and creamy butter through lemon zest and candied orange to nectarine and dried apricot, followed by toasted hazelnut, toast and a hint of coffee; fennel, eucalyptus and chamomile add a balsamic accent. On the palate, pink grapefruit and nectarine over a taut, saline, chalky line, lean-built, with a long, cool finish.

With oysters, ceviche and grilled sole, as well as aged Comté and truffle risotto.

This family estate in Avize is regarded as a pioneer of biodynamic farming in Champagne, and the label carries the Demeter logo. The cellars are carved into the chalk and hold a constant 10 °C, which slows maturation.