Clos Cazals Extra Brut Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2013

Producer notes: The prize jewel of Champagne Cazals is the Clos Cazals in Oger, one of only 21 clos in Champagne and the largest. Delphine’s grandfather, Olivier, purchased the 3.7ha walled Grand Cru vineyard from United Nations founder and Nobel Peace Prize winner Léon Bourgeois and planted it entirely with Chardonnay in 1957. The walls of the Clos reverberate the sun and allow the grapes to reach exceptional ripening: one full extra degree of potential alcohol compared to other plots. Delphine observed that this vineyard was consistently the best and was the first Cazals to craft a cuvée entirely from this distinct site. Delphine then petitioned the Comité to have the vineyard designated a Clos and won the right in 1995. She was especially proud of this achievement as nobody else in the family believed it could happen!
100% hand-harvested Chardonnay from 65 year old vines planted on chalky soil. The fermentation takes place in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats and 10% oak barrels, including the malolactic fermentation. A fine and elegant champagne with notes of white flowers and citrus fruits with an appreciable roundness revealed by a minimal dosage between Extra-Brut and Brut Nature depending on the vintage – the 2013 received 2gr/liter. Aged for 10 years on the lees before release. 12.5% alcohol.