2er-Kiste Cuvée Caudalies „Avize“ & „Le Mesnil“ Grand Cru 2012 2x750ml

Wine Description for 2-Bottle Case Cuvée Caudalies „Avize“ & „Le Mesnil“ Grand Cru 2012 1500ml Magnum by De Sousa

Colour & Appearance

Luminous golden yellow with amber-tinted reflections that reveal the maturity of the 2012 vintage. Fine, persistent perlage with elegant mousse – a testament to the biodynamic work in the vineyard and meticulous vinification.

Nose

Complex bouquet of roasted hazelnuts, brioche and candied lemon zest. Beneath this, mineral notes of chalk and wet stone that characterise the Grand Cru sites of Avize and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. With air exposure, hints of honeycomb, dried apple and subtle salinity emerge.

Palate

Impressive texture – creamy and full-bodied, as one expects from De Sousa’s oak ageing with bâtonnage. The chalky minerality of the Côte des Blancs runs through the entire palate, supported by perfectly integrated acidity. Flavours of ripe peach, quince and almond meld with subtle oxidation that lends depth and complexity. Despite its richness, the wine remains precise and tense.

Finish

Extraordinarily long and mineral. The salinity and chalky finesse linger for minutes, accompanied by a fine bitter note of lemon zest and a hint of toasted bread.

Terroir & Origin

This cuvée unites two of the most prestigious Grand Cru sites of the Côte des Blancs. Avize brings elegance and finesse, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger structure and mineral depth. The chalk soils impart the wine’s characteristic tension and longevity.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Chardonnay from biodynamically managed vineyards. Fermentation with natural Champagne Fleur quartz yeasts, oak ageing with bâtonnage for creamy texture. The biodynamic philosophy since 2002 is reflected in the wine’s vitality and expressiveness.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Scallops with celeriac cream, lobster with saffron foam, Comté or Beaufort d’Alpage, roasted turbot or sweetbreads with morels.

Special Features

Magnum format for optimal maturation. De Sousa was awarded Vigneron de l’année in Gault&Millau in 1990 – early recognition for a Récoltant-Manipulant. This cuvée impressively demonstrates how biodynamic viticulture and traditional oak ageing can produce Champagne of extraordinary depth.