Deutz Blanc de Blancs 2017
One of the original grand marques with a new spring in its step since its mid-90s renaissance
Grape Makeup:
100% Chardonnay
Sweetness Level:
Brut
Ageing on Lees:
4 years
Price:
$$$
Cellar:
10+ years
Category:
Celebration
Photos
What
One of the original grand marques, founded in 1838, with a new spring in its step since the mid-90s when it was bought by the Rouzaud family of Louis Roederer.
Where
Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne; access to over 350 hectres vineyards in total.
Why
Far from a light and simple refreshing blanc de blancs, Deutz’s vintage cuvée uses a high proportion of Côte des Blancs Grands Crus Avize (44%) and Le Mesnil (15%), which give an imposing austerity, but with rounder elements from warm Oger (20%) and a hit of savoury, pinot-like character from Villers-Marmery in the Montagne de Reims.
What else
Production has mushroomed from ~600,000 bottles in the mid-90s to around 2.8 million now without sacrificing quality. At the end of 2022, Caroline Latrive, formerly cellarmaster at Ayala (an especially chardonnay-focused house), took over as chef de cave.
Tasting Notes
This opens quite sharp, with a sour spike running up through the nose, quietly redolent of lemon and oyster shells. The aromatic subtlety continues on the palate, which is very fresh with acidity though it arrives with adequate sweetness to offset it. A new leather notes adds interest on the back, offsetting the saline citrus notes of the entry. Yeasty notes gradually claw their way in, becoming dominant on the finish.
Try It With
Sushi, especially pieces with stronger flavoured elements like roe or mackerel.
When To Drink
Apéritif.
Perfect For
The friend who once served raw fish at home.
TL/DR
Angular, citrussy and saline.
Supplier
CWS Fine Wines
