Ageius, Ay Grand Cru Brut 2017

Wine Description for Ageius Ay Grand Cru Brut 2017 by Alexis

Colour & Appearance

Radiant golden yellow with fine, elegant mousse – a visual promise of maturity and complexity.

Nose

Fascinatingly multifaceted: subtle oxidative notes of mellow apple meet saline Manzanilla Sherry character. These are joined by smoke, stone and the typical Pinot Noir fruit in the form of red and black berries. Kumquats and grapefruits bring freshness, whilst yeast bread and herbs on crushed stone provide mineral depth. Taut and concentrated on the nose.

Palate

Complex and juicy on the attack with lightly creamy texture and perceptible extract. The tension between crisp young fruit and mellow stone fruit is remarkable. Intensely saline, almost iodine-driven with a hint of salted caramel – maritime and mineral in equal measure. The mousse integrates quickly, whilst the Champagne becomes increasingly forceful towards the finish.

Finish

Long, saline and increasingly powerful – a forceful conclusion that underscores the mineral precision of the terroir.

Terroir & Origin

From the Lieut-dit La Fosse in Aÿ, one of Champagne’s most prestigious Grand Cru vineyard sites. South-south-easterly aspect with clayey topsoil and chalky bedrock – ideal conditions for concentrated, mineral Pinot Noir. The vines were planted in 1985.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Pinot Noir – a bold decision for a Blanc de Noirs. Maturation in 400-litre tonneaux with spontaneous fermentation, no malolactic fermentation – which explains the taut structure and freshness. Tirage in March 2018, dégorgement in January 2023: almost five years on the lees.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The saline, iodine-mineral structure predestines this Champagne for slowly braised turbot with salted caramel, hake fillet in fennel broth or langoustine with wasabi pea cream. Also an excellent choice with oysters or scallops.

Special Characteristics

A purist, terroir-driven Champagne that combines oxidative maturity with youthful freshness. The decision against malolactic fermentation preserves the tension and mineral precision – a Champagne for connoisseurs that rewards patience and attention on the palate.