Elise Dechannes Champagne "Tradition" Blanc De Noirs Extra Brut Split (375ml)

If you ask me, one of the best Champagne splits on the market and a very reasonable $32 for top-tier, woman-made grower champagne. Grown and produced in the Aube: the headquarters for experimentation, deviation, and futurist champagne growers. A great deal of picnic fun for a wee bottle.

Stats:

• Cepage: 100% Pinot Noir, 80% 2017 harvest, blended with 20% reserve wines (2008, 2009, 2010).
• Color: Straw yellow.
• Nose: Intense, complex and fruity with notes of brioche, hawthorn, plum and liquorice.
• Mouth: Fresh fruit, strawberry, raspberry and white peach. Very palatable finish.

Background:

Elise Dechannes Champagnes are farmed in Les Riceys, in the southernmost part of the Aube, known for their Pinot Noir still rosé, Rosé des Riceys AOC. She uses organic (cert. 2018) and biodynamic practices, aside from a few exceptions—some years she doesn’t apply any copper or sulfur to the vines. Like the neighboring Chablis appellation, Kimmeridgian marl and clay are the dominant bedrock and soil compositions. Vinifications and aging are in stainless steel, oak, sandstone and clay amphoras. Most Champagnes are without dosage. The results with the mostly Pinot Noir-based wines are diverse and fun—anywhere from extremely ethereal and fruity, to more savory and gourmand.