Pascal Agrapart Complantée Extra Brut à Avize Grand Cru NV

What

One of the top three grower-producers in the Côte des Blancs, founded in 1894 and a champagne producer from the start.

Where

Avize, Côte des Blancs; about 10 ha of vines mainly in Côte des Blancs Grand Cru vineyards, mainly chardonnay

Why

This field blend comes from a tiny 0.3ha vineyard called "La Fosse à Bulle" planted in 2003 with all the allowed grape varieties of Champagne. It is made entirely in barriques, hand riddled and disgorged 60 days before being shipped to the market for freshness (the base is 2014 with 20 per cent 2013).

What else

Look for Agrapart’s Minéral, a vintage wine that lives up to its name (and probably wants a good spell in the cellar before drinking). Despite very sensitive, manual viticulture and winemaking, Agrapart is not interested in any certifications.

Tasting Notes

The nose is high-toned with greenish volatility but by mid-palate, it has warmed to golden apple, shortbread and lemon curd. There is bright acidity and a lightly slippery texture with a sandy edge. The overall impression is clean and blazingly pure although ample mid-palate flesh leaves it no longer searing by the finish.

Try It With 

Chicken dishes, particularly salt-baked or smoked.

When To Drink

Apéritif.

Perfect For

A wine lovers' gathering.

Tatler Tip

One of the most approachable cuvées in the Agrapart stable.

TL/DR

Field blend with a full flavour spectrum.

Supplier

Champagne Asia