Cuveé 3A (Avize, Aÿ, Ambonnay) Grand Cru, Extra Brut

Wine Description for Cuvée 3A (Avize Aÿ Ambonnay) Grand Cru Extra Brut by De Sousa

Colour & Appearance

Pale golden yellow with fine, persistent perlage. The mousse displays precision and elegance, as one expects from Grand Cru vineyard sites.

Nose

Complex bouquet with roasted almonds, brioche and ripe apples. These are complemented by white flowers, citrus zest and a fine mineral note reminiscent of chalk and flint. The biodynamic viticulture and wood ageing impart subtle vanilla and hazelnut nuances.

Palate

Precise and powerful in equal measure. The Extra Brut dosage allows the purity of the three legendary Grand Cru terroirs to shine through. Yellow fruits, lemon and grapefruit meet a creamy texture – the result of bâtonnage and wood ageing. The acidity is lively yet perfectly integrated, with saline minerality in the background.

Finish

Long and elegant with lingering citrus notes and mineral freshness. The chalk minerality of the Côte des Blancs resonates persistently.

Terroir & Origin

A tribute to three legendary Grand Cru villages of Champagne: Avize (Côte des Blancs, Chardonnay elegance), Aÿ (Montagne de Reims, Pinot Noir structure) and Ambonnay (powerful Pinot Noir). This cuvée unites characteristic chalk minerality with Burgundian depth.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from biodynamically farmed Grand Cru vineyard sites. Fermentation with Champagne Fleur quartz yeasts, wood ageing with bâtonnage for creamy richness. The De Sousa family has worked consistently biodynamically since 2002.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Scallops with beurre blanc, pan-fried turbot, langoustines, poultry in cream sauce or aged Comté. The creamy texture also harmonises beautifully with risotto or pasta with truffle.

Special Features

Erick De Sousa was named Vigneron de l’année by Gault&Millau in 1990. The estate is among the pioneers of biodynamic Champagne production and is today run by his three daughters Charlotte, Valentine and Julie.