This is one of the two parcel-based cuvées of Domaine. It is located in the Cramant commune in Grand Cru, on the very special Le Bateau locality, which rests on limestone and saline soils, a reminder of the ocean that existed in Champagne millions of years ago. Note that brothers Bonnaire, Jean-Etienne and Jean-Emmanuel, fourth generation, have chosen eco-pasture in these parcels of lieu-dit and are currently happily testing dwarf Maori domestic pigs from New Zealand called Kunekune.
If we had to sum up the 2016 vintage it would be: frost, hail, rain and disease. Without a very fine September the harvest would have been catastrophic. The Chardonnay was harvested late, after the reds (an exceptional occurrence), and offered a level of ripeness that was not always optimal. The high minerality of the Cramant terroir enabled us to produce a very high-quality harvest.
The Chardonnay berries from this "Le Bateau" parcel are vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, including malolactic fermentation. Then the wines undergo 5 years' ageing on laths in cork draw (instead of capsule) before disgorgement and dosage of 1.5 g/L, this is a Extra brut.
This Le Bateau cuvée has a pale yellow color with golden highlights. The nose is full of freshness with notes of citrus, apple and lemon zest, finishing on chalk. The mouth, creamy and opulent, is very well balanced with its gourmand side, pear, almond and caramel, and that long juicy finish, fresh herbs and salty notes.
This Blanc de blancs Le Bateau 2016 will easily and aptly accompany all elements of a seafood platter, but a simple apple and cinnamon tart will provide a magical pairing.
