AGATHE DE LADUTRIE Cuvée Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut Premier Cru Champagne

Agathe de Ladutrie: The pure expression of Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Premier Cru Champagne

The Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Champagne from Agathe de Ladutrie is a single-varietal cuvée made exclusively from white grapes grown in Premier Cru-classified terroirs. This wine is distinguished by a rigorous winemaking process designed to preserve the natural acidity and mineral tension characteristic of Chardonnay from the Montagne de Reims.

Terroir and Expertise: Technical precision without malolactic fermentation

This cuvée is based on a blend of two major vintages: 2015 and 2016. The grapes come from vineyards in Moussy, a village with Premier Cru status, where the limestone subsoil imparts a salty character to the grapes. The plot-by-plot vinification process is carried out with a key technical distinction: the absence of malolactic fermentation. This oenological choice preserves the fruit’s original malic acid, ensuring lively freshness and enhanced ageing potential.

Cellaring is particularly prolonged for a non-vintage cuvée, with a minimum of 5 years on lees. This extended rest in a reductive environment encourages the development of complex tertiary aromas whilst refining the structure of the bubbles. After disgorgement, the wine undergoes a further 12 months’ rest before release. With a low dosage of 3.5 g/l, this champagne falls into the Extra Brut category, offering a direct and unadulterated expression of the Moussy terroir, reinforced by a precise pH of 3.3 that highlights its integrity.

Sensory Profile: Organoleptic analysis of the Chardonnay Premier Cru

Visual examination reveals a yellow colour with green highlights, typical of a pure Chardonnay, enlivened by effervescence consisting of very fine bubbles forming a persistent stream. The disc is brilliant, a sign of good acidity.

The nose opens with an intense and fresh profile. The olfactory analysis reveals notes of fruit at optimal ripeness, complemented by hints of dried fruit and zesty citrus. The absence of malolactic fermentation results in aromatic purity, where the fruit is not masked by overly pronounced milky or buttery notes.

On the palate, the attack is clean and structured. The mid-palate unfolds with ample, flavourful volume, supported by a pronounced chalky minerality. Subtle nuances reminiscent of honey are discernible, the result of extended ageing on lees. The finish is characterised by a lovely length and a salty persistence that recalls the limestone origins of the Premier Cru soils.

Serving Suggestions and Food Pairings

To appreciate the complexity of this Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Champagne, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 8°C and 10°C. Serving it too cold would mask the subtlety of its ripe aromas.

In terms of food pairing, its taut structure and low dosage make it an ideal companion for dishes with a rich or briny texture. It pairs well with:

• Delicate fish (sea bass, turbot) prepared steamed or as carpaccio.
• Seafood, particularly matured oysters or pan-fried scallops.
• Pan-fried foie gras, where the wine’s acidity will balance the dish’s richness.

Why choose this Agathe de Ladutrie cuvée?

The Agathe de Ladutrie Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Champagne stands out for its rigorous ageing requirements. Whilst regulations stipulate 15 months of ageing, this cuvée spends a minimum of 60 months in the darkness of the cellars to achieve its balance. It is a technically refined wine, intended for connoisseurs of clean lines and pure minerality, awarded a silver medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards, attesting to its consistent quality and oenological mastery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Blanc de Blancs Champagne

• What does the absence of malolactic fermentation bring? This method preserves the grape’s natural acidity, resulting in a livelier, fresher wine with better ageing potential.
• What is unique about the Premier Cru terroir of Moussy? Moussy is situated at the junction of the Côte des Blancs and the Marne Valley, giving the Chardonnay a distinctive character, balancing chalky tension with fruity roundness.
• What does the term "Blanc de Blancs" mean? It indicates that the champagne is made entirely from white grapes, in this case Chardonnay.
• Why an Extra Brut dosage of 3.5 g/l? This very low dosage ensures the wine is not altered and allows the minerality and natural freshness of the terroir to shine through without the addition of unnecessary sugar.
• Can this champagne be kept in the cellar? Yes, thanks to its acidic structure and its long initial ageing on lees, it can be kept for several years in temperature-controlled conditions.
• Does this wine contain sulphites? Like almost all Champagne wines, this cuvée contains sulphites, which are used to stabilise the wine and prevent oxidation.