Georges Laval Les Chênes Brut Nature 2016

What

A pocket-sized grower from a vine-growing family that can trace its history to the late 1600s that started selling its own label in 1971.

Where

Cumières, Vallée de la Marne; 2.5 ha of estate vineyards with an average age of 30 years.

Why

Winemaking is extremely minimalist, with virtually no chaptalization of must, no clarification, minimal sulfite use and no dosage. The wines likewise feel incredibly transparent and pure. Les Chênes, the first single-vineyard wine, was initially made in 1994. Its chalky, poor soils yield a wine that feels spare and austere when young.

What else

The vines have been farmed organically since 1971. If you love this, try their other single vineyard, Les Hautes Chèvres or plump for the collectable Les Longues Violes.

Tasting Notes

Piercing top notes spike the nose with under-ripe lemons and limes and chalk dust. The palate is gentler, with pleasantly dense, chewy phenolics and penetrating acid intermingling on a medium frame. It evolves a golden nuttiness in which the acid seems less prevalent, the fruit more apricot and nectarine.

Try It With 

Sashimi and other raw fish dishes.

When To Drink

Entrées or snacks.

Perfect For

Your champagne collector friend.

TL/DR

Esoteric grower's chardonnay: clean and brilliant but textural.

Supplier

The Fine Wine Experience