Chardonnay de la Côte des Bar Brut Nature 2020

Tasting Notes for Chardonnay de la Côte des Bar Brut Nature 2020 by Louise Brison

Character

A purist, uncompromising vintage Champagne of crystalline clarity and creamy texture. Vinified without dosage (Brut Nature), this single-varietal Chardonnay presents itself completely unmasked. At least five years of lees ageing bestow upon it an impressive complexity and depth that shuns fleeting fruit in favour of structure and substance. A masterful statement for the elegance of the southern Champagne region.

Terroir & Origin

Noé-les-Mallets is situated in the Côte des Bar, geographically closer to Auxerre than to Reims. The vines take root on south-east facing slopes at 280 to 320 metres above sea level on the famed Kimmeridgian limestone – that 150-million-year-old rock packed with fossilised oyster shells that also defines the great wines of Chablis. The organically certified estate places great emphasis on soil health; the high proportion of beneficial mycorrhizal fungi bestows a remarkably cool salinity and sense of place upon the wine.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Winemaker Delphine Brulez crafts this wine from 100% Chardonnay. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in used Burgundy barrels, with the must selected across four delicate pressings. As a 2020 vintage wine, it spent over five years on its lees instead of the legally required three. The gentle Simonit & Sirch pruning method underlines the artisanal dedication in the vineyard.

Food Pairings

Thanks to its bone-dry structure and fine perlage, this Champagne is an outstanding companion for food. It pairs exquisitely with oysters, scallops, subtly spiced sashimi or an elegant turbot with lemon butter.