Particules Crayeuses Zero Dosage L17 Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs NV

The Chardonnay grapes of the cuvée Particules Crayeuses come from vines that are at least 50 years old in 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 4,000kg Coquard press. Only the juice from the first run was used for fermentation. It was fermented spontaneously partly in stainless steel tanks and partly in 600-litre tanks.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 from 2015 plus 30 % from a solera that was started in 2012. The dosage is 0 g/litre. In contrast to most other champagnes, the pressure is 4.5 bar instead of 6 bar.

Pale gold with silvery-yellow reflections and a fine perlage

The cuvée Particules Crayeuses Zéro Dosage is bright and clear with a mixture of lemons, limes and a little mandarin, mint and verbena, peach and apple. The fruit is accompanied by a little brioche, a fresh sea breeze with oyster shells and rocks.

On the palate, the champagne offers ripe fruit that is fresh and slightly zesty. There are also stony and chalky notes here. The minerality provides pressure and energy. There is also a pleasant salinity. The mousse is elegant and fresh, yet slightly creamy. The light-coloured fruit is accompanied by some vanilla and almond cream on brioche.