
2019
Region
France › Champagne › Côte des Bar › Celles-sur-Ource › Champagne AOC
Type
white · traditional · sparkling · brut
Grapes
Pinot Noir
Alcohol
12.5%
Volume
750 mL
Dosage
1 g/L
Disgorged
2023
On lees
36 months (3 years)
Available at
I'm realising I prefer Bouchard's 2019 over the 2020. This one's got all the herbal complexity too, but here it leans more into a mix of bitter and sweet herbs. There's apple, red berries - it's playful, layered, complex, and far more compelling than my previous encounter with it. Still, if I'm honest, UR speaks to me more.
This wine is derived from a 0.25-hectare vineyard, consisting of 15 rows of co-planted Burgundian Pinot clones, all selected through massale propagation in 2007. The soil is a rich blend of clay and limestone, interspersed with Kimmeridgian bands, akin to those found in Chablis and Chavignol, lending a unique mineral profile. The vineyard is maintained through organic practices. The production involves only the first press of hand-harvested grapes, which are then foot-crushed, ensuring a gentle extraction. Fermentation occurs naturally with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks, preserving the wine's authentic expression. It is then bottled unfined and unfiltered, retaining its natural essence. The wine undergoes a lengthy 36-month aging sur lie, adding complexity without any dosage, to enhance its purity and texture.
This wine captivates with a delicate bouquet that's both charming and fruit-forward. Aromas of cider and apple candy, blossoming orchard, with subtle nuances of sunflower oil adding depth. The palate is elegant and round, achieving an almost perfect balance. It's focused and well-structured, showcasing a complexity that's impressive for its youth. The finish is long, marked by beautifully integrated oxidative notes reminiscent of bruised apples, complemented by subtle hints of brioche.