Blanc De Blancs “Where strength marries grace”

The Blanc de Blancs 2012 is produced exclusively from the first, purest pressing, of Grand Crus Chardonnay from the heart of the Côte des Blancs: Oger and Le Mesnil-sur- Oger. 20% of the grapes are vinified in small, old oak barrels.

A year characterised by intensity: from the intensity of its weather to the intensity of its aromas. 2012 begins with a mild winter which, in February, suddenly deteriorates. A cold spell sets in for close to 10 days, with temperatures sometimes dropping down to as low as -20°C. The mild spring weather brings with it rain and cold tempeatures which lead to significant frosts in the vineyards. The rain, sometimes as thunderstorms, sometimes hailstorms, alternate until summer and the very fragile flowering season is also cold. August brings sunshine and high temperatures ensuring the grapes ripen evenly. During this month, the drought intensifies until there is water stress in certain sectors, despite the historic cumulative rainfall of previous months... The harvest takes place without incident even if the rain, this time much welcomed, reappears at the end. If the year unsurprisingly offers a relatively low yield, the quality of the grapes at harvest, particularly in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, is exceptional. Indeed, it is the succession of contrasting weather, often extreme, which marks this wine’s journey.

The wine spends 8 years ageing in the cellar, including a minimum of 18 months rest after disgorgement, to allow it to reach its level of expression.