Alexandre Bonnet, Les Contrees - 7 Cepages Brut Nature, 2020

A blend of Champagne's seven historic grape varieties, this cuvee is a kaleidoscope of textures and flavors. A great wine, intense, racy and surprising.

Terroir
A variety of limestone and marls from the Kimmeridgian Jurassic era; cool and sunny semi-continental climate typical of southern Champagne.
Average altitude: 250 m.

Viticulture
Agroecological practices: precision viticulture, broad-spectrum protection, soil tilling, grassing over or sowing in the inter-row, organic composts, no weedkiIIers, no insecticides, HVE and VDC certifications since 2015.

Environment
Development of biodiversity by planting orchards, truffle oaks and honey plants, and by mowing grassy areas late in the year to protect pollination times, restoration of local heritage structures (small stone huts known as cadoles).

Winemaking
Harvest: Manual onIy, gradual, depending on grape ripeness. Sorting is carried out in the vineyard. The grapes are brought to the winery immediately, in perforated boxes.

Vinification
Slow pneumatic pressing, static settling, slight sulphiting, addition of basic yeasts, natural malolactic fermentation, slight sulphiting, light filtration after cold stabilisation.

Ageing
36 months on lees, disgorging without dosage to preserve the purity of the wine.

Dosage
Brut Nature 0 g/l
8856 bottles produced (100 Magnums)

Eye
Clear and pale with gold and green glints.
Nose
Intense and complex, marked by aromas of fresh, candied yellow and white fruits, exotic fruits, citrus, dried flowers and a hint of sweet spices.
Palate
Rich and persistent, with a spherical texture and warm minerality. The salivating finish offers sovereign balance.

Service and Pairing
Serve at 8-10°C and decant or leave to open up for 5 minutes in the glass. Pair with a creamy risotto with porcini mushrooms and parmesan shavings, or roast Bresse chicken with citrus fruit.

A fine champagne when young, aficionados will be able to cellar it for around 20 years.