Domaine Lancelot-Royer
In August we focused on the contribution of Pinot grapes - Noir and Munier - to the greatness that is Champagne. For October, we are celebrating the the other major player on the world’s most exclusive effervescent wine scene: Chardonnay. The most planted white grape in the world, in large part due to its popularity as an ingredient in sparkling bottlings, Chardonnay is actually the least common of the three primary varietals in Champagne. It is also relative latecomer to the region, first planted there in second half of the 19th century, predominantly in the chalk-rich soils of the Côtes de Blancs. Since then, it has proved valuable to winemakers since it is higher yielding, easier to grow and less prone to oxidation than the two Pinots. Its chameleonic character - think of the canyon that separates a lean, mineral Chablis from a rich and buttery Napa Chard - also makes it unrivaled as both a transmitter of terroir, and a blank canvas for the chefs de caves (cellar master) responsible for each house’s blends.
This is why an exacting craftsman like Michel Chauvet of Domaine Lancelot-Royer chooses to work exclusively with Chardonnay. All of his vineyards in the village of Cramant are rated 100% Grand Cru and are planted to the varietal. While Chauvet certainly makes “grower” Champagne, his methods are so much more. He is one of the last artisans who chooses to arrange his Champagne exclusively by hand, the way it was made in the early 1900s before machines replaced manual labor. The estate’s cellars, consists of a rough chalk cave, carved out of the rock by hand, chisel strokes traceable on the cool walls. Lancelot-Royer is also one of the smallest domaines in Champagne, allowing Chauvet to see to every winemaking step himself, from harvesting to riddling to degorging to bottling. Juice is fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Wines undergo a second fermentation in bottle (méthode Champenoise) and are aged on fine lees from three to four years, much longer than most non-vintage wines. Chauvet also reserves nearly a third of each harvest as reserve wine, which contributes to the richness and complexity of his non-vintage cuvées. The result is an experience uncompromisingly faithful to the lemony delicacy that characterizes Cramant, and the crystalline purity of the finest blanc de blancs. These bubbles are works of vinous art, meticulously guided from grape to glass.
Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 'Cuvée des Chevaliers' |
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From: FRANCE • Champagne Cote de Blancs • Cramant |
About the Vinification: Pure grand cru Chardonnay from the chalky, cool soils of Cramant in the Côte de Blancs. Generally winemaker Michael Chauvet adds 30% reserve wine, for even more complexity and texture. Assemblage: 100% Chardonnay All estate vineyards (12 acres) in Cramant are rated 100% Grand Cru and are all planted to Chardonnay, as is tradition in the Côte de Blancs. Soils are classic Kimmeridgian chalk. Hand-harvested. Pressed by hand in an upright, wooden press; fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. Aged for five years in bottle. Riddled by hand. Approximately 30% reserve wine. Dosage: 9 g/l Tasting notes: Aromas of dried flowers, apple, pear. Ripe white peach, lemon, green apple flavors;. lightly toasted brioche, green tea highlights and a hint of nuttiness. Long, savory and seductive; a captivating non-vintage wine that can age with the best of vintage bottles. We love the textural richness and toasty complexity we get. Fans of Krug will find a lot of things to love here! |
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Winemaker: Michael Chauvet |
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Price per bottle / Price per case: $59/$637.20 |
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Suggested Food Pairing: Fresh seafood, smoked salmon, white meats. |
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Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Nature 'Cuvée des Chevaliers' |
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From: FRANCE • Champagne • Cramant |
About the Vinification: The same lovely, lithe grand cru Chardonnay Champagne as the estate’s regular ‘Cuvée des Chevaliers,’ yet with no added dosage. What a thrill to taste the pure chalky soils of Cramant in every sip! All estate vineyards (12 acres) in Cramant are rated 100% Grand Cru and planted to Chardonnay, as is tradition in the Côte de Blancs. Soils are classic Kimmeridgian chalk. Assemblage: Hand-harvested. Pressed by hand in an upright, wooden press; fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. Aged for four years in bottle. Riddled by hand. Approximately 30% reserve wine. No added dosage. Dosage: 0 g/l Tasting notes: Refined, lacy, sublime. Aromas of dried flowers, green apple, yellow pear. Lemon and lemon zest, apple, stone fruit; lithe yet flavorfully complex. “In the glass, Cuvée des Chevaliers is a bright yellow-gold extending to the rim, with heady aromas of green apple, pear, peach, citrus pith, cream, brioche dough, dried white flowers, and a pile of crushed stones. It has the creaminess you’d expect from such long lees aging, but also a very full-fruited personality and a strong, balancing mineral component. It’s one of the more mouth-filling blanc de blancs Champagnes we’ve had in some time, with a beautifully refreshing blast of ripe green apple fruit on the palate. It has plenty of backbone and heft for extended aging.” Somm Select |
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Winemaker: Michael Chauvet
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Price per bottle / Price per case: $59/637.2 |
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Suggested Food Pairing: Lobster, Roast Chicken, Ceviche, Fish and Chips. |
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