Cuvée des Caudalies „Le Mesnil“ Grand Cru Extra Brut 2013

Wine Description for Cuvée des Caudalies „Le Mesnil“ Grand Cru Extra Brut 2013 by De Sousa

Colour & Appearance

Deep golden yellow to old gold with fine, persistent perlage – a Champagne that visibly celebrates its nine years on the lees.

Nose

Opulent and baroque. This Grand Cru from Le Mesnil displays unusual generosity for its provenance: honeycomb, quince jelly and dried yellow pears dominate, flanked by candied ginger and a whisper of fresh oysters. The complexity is impressive – here the terroir speaks with a mature, confident voice.

Palate

Creamy and expansive, with a mousse that evokes stardust rather than aggressive carbonation. The rich extract carries a mellow maturity that lends the wine its irresistible charm. Despite all its fullness, it remains precisely defined – a paradox that only great Champagnes master. The Extra Brut dosage of just three grams allows the terroir to take centre stage.

Finish

Long, creamy and of remarkable persistence. The caudales – the lingering aftertaste in seconds – do their name proud.

Terroir & Origin

Le Mesnil-sur-Oger – one of the most prestigious Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs. The 60-year-old Chardonnay vines root deep in chalky soils and yield grapes of extraordinary concentration.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Chardonnay, spontaneously fermented with wild yeasts in wooden barrels, regularly bâtonnage and bottled without filtration. Disgorged in November 2022 after over eight years on the lees – a Blanc de Blancs with backbone and substance.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Lobster with tarragon vinegar and melon, crostini with goat’s cheese and golden beetroot or glazed guinea fowl with honey and rosemary. A Champagne that deserves large glasses and great cuisine.

Special Features

De Sousa is among the pioneers of organic viticulture in Champagne. This Champagne is a statement: maturity, complexity and terroir expression rather than lean minerality.