Frédéric Savart L'Ouverture Premier Cru NV

What

A former grower who started farming his family estate in 2005 and now a small négociant

Where

Ecueil, Montagne de Reims; 4ha of estate vines. Vines for this wine are fairly young and grow on sandy soils.

Why

Becoming a mini-negoc hasn’t clouded Savart’s vision about how he wants to produce his wines nor their distinctive, racy profile. Half fermented and matured in stainless steel and half in neutral oak, Ouverture’s ripe grapes have produced sapid, brooding wines. Though the base wines don’t go through malolactic, the reserve wines (from the two prior vintages) do, creating a balance of acids. Lees ageing takes place under cork rather than crown cap for oxygen exchange.

What else

Savart farms sustainably, having abandoned chemical treatments since taking over the property. Vines are replaced by massale selection from a family plot.

Tasting Notes

Quite a quiet nose: brooding, reductive and almost volcanic – like bread toasted over lava. A contrastingly sweet, marzipan note on the palate accompanies yellow cherry fruit. The structure is built on bitterness rather than acid. Understated but with layers and depth.

Try It With 

Southern Chinese steamed fish.

When To Drink

After Meal

Perfect For

Your sake-loving friend.

Tatler Tip

This one needs plenty of time to open up; don't pop and pour.

TL/DR

Brooding, reductive, restrained.

Supplier

Avize Wine Cellar