Ageius Ay Grand Cru Brut 2017

Wine details
This spectacular Champagne comes from Pinot Noir from Aÿ in the Grand Vallée, more precisely from the slopes of Lieut-dit La Fosse. These face south-east and have a clayey top layer over a chalky foundation. The vines were planted in 1985 and the exquisite wine was refined in 400-litre tonneaux, with the fermentation process taking place naturally, without malolactic fermentation. Bottling took place in March 2018 and the lees were removed in January 2023.

Color
The radiance of this champagne lives up to its name. With a sparkling golden hue and elegant perlage, it presents itself magnificently in the glass.

Scent
The »Ageius« 2017 vintage harmonises subtle hints of light oxidative ageing with a reminiscent blend of crisp apples and salty manzanilla sherry. There are also notes of smoke, stone and fruit. One can sense the foreboding aroma of red and black berries with a combination of kumquats and grapefruits, mingled with yeast bread and crushed stone herbs. The scent works tightly and holds its own excellently.

Taste
On the tongue, the Grand Cru unfolds a complex, juicy and concentrated explosion, combined with a soft creamy texture and a hint of extract. Here, crisp young fruit and crumbly stone fruit harmonise in fine balance. The champagne imposes itself with intensity, captivates with its salty, almost iodine-like note and charms with a nuance of salted caramel. The fine perlage quickly fades into the background, leaving room for a soaring pressure of the final notes.

Alternative recommendations for dishes
Try the wine with slow-cooked turbot in salted caramel and salted lemon beurre blanc, accompanied by sautéed leeks. Another suggestion would be a tender hake fillet in fennel broth with a herb gremolata. For a special taste, try Norway lobster with creamy wasabi pea puree and almond mousse.