Particules Crayeuses, Zero Dosage L17, Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs

Wine Description for Particules Crayeuses Zero Dosage L17 Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs by Waris-Larmandier

Colour & Appearance

Pale golden with silvery-yellow reflexes. The perlage presents itself fine and elegant, with a deliberately reduced pressure of 4.5 bar – an unusual, yet characteristic feature of this Champagne.

Nose

Bright and clear in approach. The aromatics display precise citrus notes of lime and lemon, complemented by mandarin. These are joined by refreshing mint and verbena, underpinned by peach and apple. The mineral component reveals itself in oyster shells and stony nuances, whilst subtle brioche hints and a maritime freshness lend complexity.

Palate

Ripe fruit meets crystalline freshness. The zesty citrus fruit is threaded through with pronounced chalky and stony notes, which lend this Blanc de Blancs drive and energy. The mousseux feels elegant and simultaneously lightly creamy. Remarkable is the salinity, which enlivens the wine. Vanilla and almond cream on brioche round out the flavour profile.

Finish

Long, mineral and fresh with lingering chalk notes and fine salinity.

Terroir & Origin

A Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from the prestigious villages of the Côte des Blancs: Chouilly, Cramant, Avize, Oger and Mesnil-sur-Oger. The Chardonnay vines, at least 50 years old, are rooted deep in chalky soils that impart this Champagne with its characteristic mineral signature.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Chardonnay, hand-harvested and processed in a traditional Coquard press. Spontaneous fermentation partly in stainless steel, partly in Burgundian 600-litre demi-muids. Malolactic fermentation occurred spontaneously. Assemblage from 2015 plus 30% from a solera maintained since 2012. Base wine ageing of 6–18 months, followed by 24–36 months on lees. Zero Dosage – without any dosage.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Sashimi with teriyaki sauce, lightly aged ash-coated goat’s cheese, Bresse chicken blanquette with morels, raw oysters, scallops or ceviche.

Special Features

Reduced bottle pressure of 4.5 instead of the usual 6 bar for finer perlage. Zero Dosage underscores the purist philosophy and mineral authenticity of this extraordinary grower Champagne.