Charles Dufour Bulles de Comptoir #10 'Tchin Tchin' NV
This grower champagne is one of the best-kept secrets on the market
Grape Makeup:
60% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Blanc
Sweetness Level:
Extra Brut
Ageing on Lees:
15 months
Price:
$
Cellar:
Up to 5 years
Category:
Culinary
Photos
What
One of the most insiderish grower champagnes on the market, producing individual releases of the iconic Bulles de Comptoir and even tinier lots of single-vineyard or varietal champagnes, all organic and exquisitely labelled.
Where
Landreville, Côte des Bar; 6 hectares, mainly pinot noir with some chardonnay (30%) and pinot blanc (10%).
Why
Bulles de Comptoir is the grandfather of chic, easy-going natural grower champagne that is the antithesis of champagne’s elitist, luxury image; being able to source a bottle is the ultimate in-the-know move.
What Else
Charles’ wines sell out almost immediately, but the wines from Champagne Françoise Martinot, his mother, are also made by Charles and are usually somewhat slower to sell out; the Bistrotage is very similar in spirit to Blanc de Blanc.
Tasting Notes
Dufour’s trademark cider apple quality is enlivened with slices of fresh ginger and lemon on the nose. Taut and glassy right from the entry, this has a marked firmness, with aromas that are more green apple rounded out by a nuttiness that resembles the Shaoxing wine. The acidity is very elevated, while the shape is quite sharp and rigid. Toasted almond and hazelnut add to a well-balanced brightness, making for a very satisfying conclusion.
Try It With
Crunchy, fatty dishes, like roasted yellow chicken with exquisitely crispy skin.
When To Drink
Apéritif or entrées.
Perfect For
The coolest person you know.
Tatler Tip
The cidery profile and super hero label will mainly impress a certain type of person — think twice before taking this one to a dinner out with your boss or a family dim sum gathering.
TL/DR
Cidery, textured and nutty.
Supplier
Deco Wines
