NV Vouette et Sorbee 'Blanc d'Argile'

Base 2020, Disgorged October 2023

Place: Cote des Bar - Champagne, FRA

Variety: Chardonnay

Farming: Biodynamic

Words from the importer, Bibendum Wine Co.

Within the cold, west-facing Biaunes lieu-dit there is a small parcel of Chardonnay (the Cotes des Bar is overwhelmingly planted to Pinot Noir) that Gautherot planted wild, without preparing the soils, amongst the native vegetation. Established in 2000, with massale cuttings from Anselme Selosse and from Dauvissat's Valmur grand cru vineyard, this portion of the vineyard is now the origin of what Antonio Galloni calls "one of the most beautiful and distinctive wines in Champagne."

The vines here yield only 15-20 hl/ha each year - one of the keys to the quality and intensity on offer. The new vintages now include a portion of fruit fermented and raised in Georgian amphora (see below). As with the Fidele, this wine spent roughly 15 months in bottle, sur lattes, before being disgorged by hand (zero dosage) in October 2016. It's a super mineral, nutty wine with crunchy stone fruits. There is lovely, pulpy fruit but also racy, crunchy acidity and terrific length with a twist of pleasant astringency. It takes you (the 60 miles) to grand cru Chablis and back again.