„Les Chênes“ Cumières Premier Cru Brut Nature 2020

Wine Description for „Les Chênes“ Cumières Premier Cru Brut Nature 2020 by Georges Laval

Colour & Appearance

Intense golden yellow with an exceptionally fine, broadly distributed mousse, testament to precise cellar work. The perlage is persistent and elegant in equal measure.

Nose

An aromatic profile of impressive complexity: sea air, lemon and oyster shells dominate the first wave, followed by smoky notes. Fascinating are the hints of Amontillado Sherry and roasted almonds, which lend the Champagne an oxidative depth without compromising its freshness. This multi-layered character is typical of Laval’s biodynamic approach.

Palate

The Brut Nature dosage reveals itself in all its clarity: taut, pronounced, unadorned. A pronounced salinity stimulates the salivary glands immediately, whilst the texture remains powerful yet fine-grained. Citrus notes and mineral salinity merge into a taste experience that embodies pure umami. The chalk of the subsoil is perceptible in every sip – this is Champagne that yearns for the sea.

Finish

Extraordinarily long and precise. The saline notes and citrus freshness linger for minutes, testament to the concentration and quality of the base wine.

Terroir & Origin

Les Chênes lies in eastern Cumières between Ay and Hautvillers, below the historic abbey. The south-facing slope on chalk subsoil with a thin loamy-silty topsoil provides ideal conditions for Chardonnay of exceptional minerality and tension.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Chardonnay from the 2020 vintage, farmed biodynamically. Vinification follows the principles of Georges Laval: spontaneous fermentation, no sulphur, no fining. The Brut Nature bottling (0 g/l dosage) showcases the wine in its purest form.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This Champagne was born for seafood: oysters, scallops, sea urchin, raw fish or sashimi. Also a revelation with caviar or smoked fish. The salinity harmonises perfectly with iodine-rich flavours.

Special Features

Georges Laval is among the pioneers of biodynamic Champagne production. His wines are unfiltered, unfined and showcase terroir in its most uncompromising form. A Champagne for purists and lovers of authentic wines.