Chardonnay de la Côte des Bar, Brut Nature 2018

Wine description for Chardonnay de la Côte des Bar Brut Nature 2018 by Louise Brison

Colour & Appearance

Luminous straw yellow with bright reflections. An intense, fine mousseux displays long-lasting, small to medium bubbles.

Nose

Expressive and radiant, dominated by mirabelle plum, juicy peach, Williams pear and apples. Joined by nuances of persimmon and yellow plum. A freshness of bergamot, lime zest, lemon balm and lemongrass imparts vitality. With aeration, notes of grilled pineapple appear alongside a hint of cold smoke and the cool stone of Kimmeridgian limestone, while autolytic yeast aromas step into the background.

Palate

Filigree, slender and of elegant lightness. The yellow-green fruit continues with a clear focus. Instead of broad richness, a sinewy, finely chiselled acidity and a cool, rocky texture dominate, coating the mouth. The mousseux remains subtle, leaving centre stage to the pure structure.

Finish

In the long-lasting finish, the fruity notes echo, complemented by delicate tones of almond and marzipan. The aftertaste remains transparent, focused and carried by a cleansing freshness.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes grow in Noé-les-Mallets at an altitude of 320 metres. The soil is dominated by Kimmeridgian limestone – geologically related to Chablis and intermingled with fossilised oyster shells. The certified organic estate focuses on living soils and gentle pruning.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Varietal Chardonnay from the 2018 harvest. Fermentation and ageing take place in used Burgundy oak barrels with indigenous yeasts. After bottling in June 2019, the Champagne matured on its lees for over five years until disgorgement in February 2025. Bottled as Brut Nature without any added sugar (0 g/l dosage).

Food Pairings

Pairs exquisitely with oysters, scallops, sashimi or sea bream ceviche.

Key Features

An uncompromising vintage Champagne crafted by female winemaker Delphine Brulez, who entirely dispenses with dosage and grants the wine over five years of lees ageing – far exceeding the legal requirements.