AD 191 Extra Brut, Blanc de Blancs Chouilly Grand Cru 2016

Wine Description for AD 191 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Chouilly Grand Cru 2016 by Vazart-Coquart & Fils

Colour & Appearance

Intense, pale golden yellow with coppery reflections. After the initial lively effervescence, an exceptionally fine, persistently rising perlage develops, testament to six years of ageing on the lees.

Nose

Seductive, mature bouquet with white nougat, warm puff pastry and vanilla cream. These are joined by candied orange peel, ripe citrus notes and a hint of candied ginger. The mineral side reveals itself in chalky and slightly iodine nuances. With a little air, quince, firm pear and star fruit emerge – a complex, multi-layered aromatic interplay.

Palate

Silky, juicy and of striking elegance. The fine perlage carries a perfect balance of maturity and freshness. Warm croissants, almond and tonka cream meld with ripe citrus notes and juicy stone fruit. A saline thread and vibrant minerality run through the wine, whilst a fine extract provides substance. The minimal dosage of just 1 g/l underscores the crystalline purity of this extraordinary Champagne.

Finish

Long, precise and marked by chalky minerality. The aromas of nougat and citrus fruits linger elegantly, carried by a fine salinity and invigorating freshness.

Terroir & Origin

From the single vineyard site La Cerisière in Chouilly Grand Cru, cadastral parcel AD 191. The chalk and limestone-rich soil with shallow depth and old vines (Vieilles Vignes) form the foundation for this site character. Already farmed organically in 2016, now biodynamically certified.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Chardonnay from the challenging 2016 vintage. Maturation in steel tank with malolactic fermentation. Second fermentation from May 2017, 72 months on the lees, disgorged June 2023 with 1 g/l dosage. Only 1,640 bottles produced – a true rarity.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Outstanding as an aperitif, but also a brilliant food companion to scallops, lobster, turbot or oysters. Equally suited to poultry in cream sauce, sweetbreads or mature Comté.

Special Features

First vintage of this single vineyard cuvée. Despite adverse conditions in 2016 (late frost, heavy rain, heatwave), an extraordinary Champagne was achieved, uniting maturity and freshness in perfect harmony. Drinking well now until 2033.