Cuvée “Sève” Blanc de Noir Brut Nature 2016 1500ml Magnum

Wine Description for Cuvée “Sève” Blanc de Noir Brut Nature 2016 1500ml Magnum by Olivier Horiot

Character

Olivier Horiot belongs to those Champagne producers who question the region’s dogma. His Cuvée “Sève” is a Blanc de Noir Brut Nature – a white sparkling wine made from red grapes, entirely without dosage. The name “Sève” (sap) alludes to Horiot’s philosophy: pure essence, without cosmetic intervention. Matured in the magnum bottle, this Champagne develops additional complexity and longevity that smaller formats cannot offer.

Terroir & Origin

Horiot works in the Côte des Bar in the south of Champagne, a region closer to Burgundy than to Reims. The limestone soils with Kimmeridgian marl shape a distinctive style here – earthier, more structured, less accommodating than classic Champagnes from the north. The climate is more continental, the growing season longer. Horiot manages his parcels biodynamically and relies on spontaneous fermentation, which gives his wines an unvarnished authenticity.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pinot Noir forms the backbone of this cuvée. In Champagne, usually responsible for structure and body, the variety shows its Burgundian side with Horiot: finesse, depth, mineral tension. Vinification takes place without sulphur additions until bottling, the second fermentation in the bottle without any dosage whatsoever. What remains is radical purity – a challenge for winemaker and drinker alike. The 2016 vintage brought balanced conditions to Champagne, uniting freshness and ripeness.

Food Pairing Suggestions

A Champagne of this stylistic approach demands thoughtful accompaniment. Oysters and raw fish harmonise with the saline minerality, sautéed mushrooms or truffle with the earthy depth. Also aged Comté or brioche with salted butter are classic partners. The absence of dosage makes it the ideal companion for sashimi or ceviche – anywhere sweetness would be unwelcome.