Vouette & Sorbée - Champagne 'Blanc d'Argile' Extra Brut NV (Magnum)

Located in the Côte des Bar, Bertrand’s estate is named after two of his lieu-dits: Vouette & Sorbée. Unlike the vineyards in the north of Champagne with their fine chalky soils, the Côte des Bar is more like Chablis – dense, rocky, Kimmeridgian, and Portlandian limestone clay soils. Historically Pinot Noir was the dominant variety in this region, but Bertrand has been slowly expanding his plantings of Chardonnay. He farms about 5 hectares of vines, divided among 6 lieux-dits, with five of them located near his hometown of Buxières and one in the neighboring village of Ville-sur-Acre. If asked, Bertrand will say that he is a farmer first and foremost, and in addition to vines, he raises chickens and cattle and operates a nearly self-sustaining enclosed ecosystem.

Blanc d'Argile comes mainly from a small parcel of Chardonnay in Briaunes supplemented with scattered plantings of Chardonnay in Bertrand’s other lieux-dits. Small in volume now, it will increase when the young vines in Vouette begin to come online. Mineral, nougat, salty and long –  basically a Grand Cru Chablis with bubbles.

"Vouette & Sorbée NV Extra-Brut Blanc d'Argile is superb. Deep, rich and powerful, the 2012 shows just how compelling Champagnes can be. A Champagne of baritone depth and intensity, the 2012 flows effortlessly throughout the mid-palate as the flavors and textures crescendo on the expressive finish. Readers who enjoy rich, vinous Champagnes will adore the 2012." - 94 Points, Vinous

"Gautherot’s NV Extra Brut Blanc d’Argile represents young Chardonnay vines (based on cuttings from Selosse and Dauvissat) in Kimmeridgian, and primary fermentation and malo took place in 400-liter barrels. While less multifaceted than the corresponding Pinot-based Fidele, this is only a little less unusual and intriguing. The nose was initially dominated by juniper and arbor vita, possibly prompted in large part by wood. Behind that, however, emerged bittersweet iris perfume, lemon zest, lemon pip, peanut, and eventually Chablis-like suggestions of herbed and salted chicken stock (here especially strong on celery leaf). Almost waxy in feel but with underlying firmness and lemon-tangerine brightness that help assuage its bitter elements, this finishes with impressive if slightly austere persistence. It should prove fascinating to follow for at least several years." - 91 Points, Robert Parker

Producer: Vouette & Sorbée

Country: France

Region: Champagne

Varietal: Chardonnay

Appellation: Champagne

Vintage: NV

Size: 1.5L