Agrapart & Fils Champagne Minéral 2003

More than years since the disgorgement (october 2008), than on yeasts, much more time under the lights of Lafayette Gourmet in Paris, than sheltered from the light, in my cellar.

Agrapart means an inseparable link with the Côte des Blancs, and its grape variety, the Chardonnay. In this case, with an extra brut dosage, in a vintage where very few Champagne Houses have tried, because of the heat wave.

Anyway, no worries, because Monsieur Pascal, did not put the heat in the bottle!

The absolute purity of Chardonnay comes from the old vineyards - 40 years aged - of Cramant, first fermentation half-steel and half oak barrels, malolactic fermentation, more than 4 years on yeasts, with manual riddling.

Very fine and harmonious bubbles and a great vertical nose, initially sleepy, but which leaves his relax quickly, on a strong aromatic expression and showing a very gourmand side.

You start with aromas of pastries, almond paste, dried fruit, even grilled, light floral notes, candied lemon, Granny Smith apple, with light touches of vanilla. A truly lively design, supported by a saline and chalky texture and a well-marked flinty notes.

A chiseled, “fat” and full of matter mouth, confirms, simply, all the olfactory extension, while the aromatic intensity develops continuously, then it extends on oxidative flavors without compromising, altogether, freshness and balance.

Tense and vibrant finish, on strong mineral expression, with a long length.
A pure-terroir wine that the Côte des Blancs only can give, thanks to the refined iodine and to the energy of the chalky cliff.