Minéral Grand Cru 2018 Extra-Brut Champagne Agrapart | Champagne

Champagne Agrapart 's Grand Cru Minéral Extra-Brut takes shape on the chalky terroirs of the Côte des Blancs, where the outcropping chalk determines the Chardonnay's identity. This cuvée brings together grapes from old vines planted over half a century ago on the poor, very chalky soils that have made the reputation of the Grands Crus of Avize and Cramant. These soils favor a straight, taut expression of the wine. To preserve the deep terroir identity of the Champ Bouton parcel in Avize and Les Bionnes parcel in Cramant, Champagne Agrapart & Fils winemakes exclusively with the indigenous yeasts present on the grapes. Natural fermentation in barrels and demi-muids is followed by complete malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged on its lees for around 5 years before disgorging. The dosage, deliberately kept to 3 g/L, preserves the terroir identity of this Grand Cru Extra Brut.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: Le Grand Cru Minéral Blanc de Blancs occupies a central place in the world of Domaine Agrapart, as it encapsulates the spirit of the Côte des Blancs Grands Crus. Its vertical architecture and natural limestone tension are sublimated by the patina of prolonged ageing and the volume of the material. And what can we say about Pascal Agrapart's signature remarkable saline persistence? To die for!

The nose develops fresh notes of lime, passion fruit, green apple and iodine. A chalky framework imbues the bouquet with its slightly smoky patina, adding a beautiful relief. Hints of pastry from the ageing give the wine an appetizing complexity, with creamy honey, toasted brioche and almond cream.

On the palate, chiseled acidity stretches the silky effervescence with vertical tension. The slender body unfurls flavors of citrus zest, damp chalk and yeast with enveloping volume. The minerality of the iodized, chalky aromas typical of this Champagne Minéral Extra Brut returns in full force on the long, saline finish.