Champagne Clandestin - Champagne 'Les Grandes Lignes' Brut Nature NV

Young winemaker Benoit Doussot’s concept for Clandestin (meaning hidden, secret, or undercover) explores vinification based on specific soil types and expositions, and is inspired by the untapped potential of the talented, progressive growers with whom he collaborates.

In each vintage there are two Pinot Noir based wines produced: Boréal comes entirely from north-facing parcels, while Austral is from south-facing parcels. This separation in exposition produces two distinctly different wines.

Doussot has two primary influences: 1) meticulous Meursault vigneron Jean-Philippe Fichet whose commitment to precision in the vineyards and cellar had a lasting impact on him, and 2) Bertrand & Hélène Gautherot of Vouette & Sorbée, who helped to develop his understanding of the different villages and soils in the region. These influences are felt in the wines — detailed expressions with textural aliveness — but as Benoit continues to to push the envelope of quality and experimentation, his own signature style is being revealed.

Les Grandes Lignes comes from a single 0.5 HA vineyard of Chardonnay planted on a gentle slope of Portlandian limestone soils with full southern exposure. Like everything at Clandestin, it is harvested by hand and fermented by natural yeasts in a French oak demi-muid. After 10 months it is bottled and aged sur latte for 15 months. To retain the purity of the terroir, Les Grandes Lignes is bottled without dosage.

Producer: Champagne Clandestin

Country: France

Region: Champagne 

Varietal: Chardonnay

Appellation: Champagne

Vintage: NV

Size: 750ml