Particules Crayeuses Extra Brut L17 Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs NV 1500ml

The cuvée Particules Crayeuses is the current flagship Blanc de Blancs. The fruit comes from vines at least 40 years old from the Côtes des Blancs communes of Chouilly, Cramant, Avize, Oger and Mesnil-sur-Oger.

The grapes were harvested by hand and pressed in a traditional 4,000 kg Coquard press. Only the juice from the first run was used for fermentation. It was fermented spontaneously partly in stainless steel tanks, partly in 600-litre...demi–muids from Burgundy fermented and aged. Malolactic fermentation took place spontaneously after alcoholic fermentation. The base wines matured for six to 18 months, followed by 24 to 36 months of ageing on the lees. Particules Crayeuses is an assemblage of two vintages plus 30 % from a solera started in 2013. The dosage is 5 g/l. Unlike most other champagnes, the pressure is 4.5 bar instead of 6 bar.

Straw yellow with fine mousseux

The cuvée Particules Crayeuses is from the first moment a real Text Book Blanc de Blancs with a chalky component and a lot of citric power and brightness. At the same time, noblesse and elegance, delicacy and sensuality are revealed here in the form of notes reminiscent of lemon curd and yellow plums as well as pear tart with vanilla, white nougat, cinnamon and some warm buttered toast.

On the palate, the single-varietal Chardonnay from old vines is even more sensual because the light dosage combines congenially with the silky mousseux and the ripe yellow fruit, and the lower pressure also creates a special creaminess. At the same time, the terroir provides its very own pressure and plenty of power as well as a lively and sustained acidity, furthermore mineral intensity on the palate. This is a lascivious Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, that makes you want more.