A l’Aube de la Côte des Bar Brut Nature 2009 3000ml Doppel-Magnum

Wine Description for A l’Aube de la Côte des Bar Brut Nature 2009 3000ml Double Magnum by Louise Brison

Character

Louise Brison belongs to that generation of winemakers of the Côte des Bar who have restored prestige to southern Champagne. This Brut Nature from the outstanding vintage 2009 embodies the philosophy of the zero-dosage style – completely without added sugar, authentic and uncompromising. The imposing double magnum with three litres of content underscores the ambition of this Champagne as a vineyard wine for special occasions. In this format, Champagne matures more slowly and harmoniously, developing greater complexity.

Terroir & Origin

The Côte des Bar in southern Champagne, geologically already belonging to Burgundy, is characterised by Kimmeridge limestone soils – the same rock formation as in Chablis. The warmer climate of this region enables fuller ripeness and produces Champagnes with more body and richness than the more northerly vineyard sites. The vintage 2009 is considered one of the finest of the decade: sunny, warm, with perfect physiological ripeness.

Grape Variety & Vinification

The cuvée of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir combines elegance with structure. The Chardonnay brings mineral precision and freshness, whilst the Pinot Noir lends depth and complexity. As a Brut Nature, this Champagne receives no dosage – the customary sugar addition before corking is entirely omitted. This demands perfect fruit material and masterful vinification, as nothing can mask imbalance. The extended ageing on the lees and the large format guarantee creamy texture and multi-layered aromatics.

Food Pairing Recommendations

A Champagne of this dimension and maturity calls for sophisticated cuisine: roasted lobster, scallops with beurre blanc, Poularde de Bresse or aged Comté. The absence of dosage makes it the ideal companion to raw fish, oysters or caviar. Its structure also carries game birds or calf’s sweetbreads.