Les Bauves, Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 2014

Wine Description for Les Bauves Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 2014 by Waris-Larmandier

Colour & Appearance

Pale yellow with a fine, precise mousse – a Champagne that announces elegance in the glass before you even taste it.

Nose

The nose is of remarkable maturity and depth: ripe stone fruit, hawthorn and butter combine with seductive notes of praline, honey and nougat. Lightly toasted almonds and a cool, unmistakable chalky minerality along with fresh lemon zest round out the bouquet. Those familiar with Huet’s Premier Trie from Vouvray will be reminded of its oxidative depth and maturity – here, however, with the effervescent breath of Champagne.

Palate

On the palate, the Les Bauves shows itself mature yet lively: The creamy, effervescent mousse carries a juicy, fleshy fruit, held in check by a piquant, very present acidity. Silkiness and substance go hand in hand. The minerality – that typical Cramant chalk from the heart of Cramant – runs through the wine like a silent, structure-giving thread.

Finish

Long, saline-mineral and carried by a fine bitter almond note. The finish is precise and invigorating – a Champagne that invites you to take the next sip.

Terroir & Origin

The vineyard site Les Bauves lies at 115 metres elevation in Cramant, one of the most renowned Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs, approximately 2.2 kilometres from the winery. The chalky limestone subsoil of this terroir is the soul of the wine.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Chardonnay from vines of the vintages 1962, 1986 and 1998 – a multi-generational parcel with genuine depth. Hand-harvested, pressed in a traditional Coquard press (4,000 kg), exclusively using the cuvée juice from the first run. Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel, followed by sur lattes ageing for at least five years. No wood, no compromises.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The combination of maturity, minerality and creaminess makes this Champagne an extraordinary table companion. Ideal with char with dashi beurre blanc and kaffir lime, with hazelnut blini with artichokes and black truffle or with the opulent calf’s sweetbread with smoked eel jus.

Special Features

A single-vineyard Champagne of impressive character: The vintage 2014 – known in Champagne for its cool precision and acidity structure – gives this wine backbone, whilst the long yeast-ageing imparts complexity and depth. A Champagne for connoisseurs who seek maturity and tension in equal measure.