Françoise Bedel Comme Autrefois 2006

Region: France » Champagne » Champagne AOC » Vallée de la Marne
Type: white traditional sparkling, extra brut
Producer: Françoise Bedel
Vintage: 2006
Disgorged: 2023-05
On lees: ~192 months
Grapes: Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 12.5
Sugar: 4.4
Volume: 750 mL
Cellar: 1 bottles
Find at: Vivino

Ratings

Oh dear, it seems this wine and my palate haven't had their rendezvous yet. Maybe I was letting the wine breathe, or perhaps I was just taking another sip elsewhere. 😉

Fear not, dear wine enthusiast! This bottle's moment in the spotlight is coming soon. In the meantime, why not uncork your own adventure with it? After all, the best wine stories are those we create ourselves. Cheers to new tastings on the horizon! 🥂

About Producer

Françoise Bedel stands out not only for her remarkable journey into winemaking but also for her unique approach to viticulture and winemaking. Hailing from the village of Crouttes-sur-Marne, located on the western edge of Champagne, Bedel's estate is a testament to her dedication and passion for winemaking. Her journey into biodynamic winemaking, inspired by her personal experiences and a deep reverence for nature, has set her apart in a region celebrated for its long-standing conventional vinegrowing and winemaking traditions.

The 8-hectare estate, cultivated with vines aged between 30 and 60 years, reflects Bedel's commitment to biodynamic practices since 1998. This approach, centred around the interplay between soil, subsoil, and the vine's root system, allows for the fullest expression of the terroir in her grapes. The unique bio-dynamic compost used in the vineyards, containing preparations made from yarrow, chamomile, nettle, oak bark, dandelion, and valerian, is a testament to her dedication to fostering a harmonious relationship between the vineyard and its natural environment.

Located in the Marne Valley, known for its quality Pinot Meunier grapes, Bedel's estate predominantly focuses on this variety, along with smaller plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Her Champagnes, often aged for more than six years on the lees, are renowned for their depth and complexity. This extended lees ageing, combined with low or zero dosage, results in Champagnes with significant weight, heft, and lingering acidity.