Vénus Grand Cru 2019 Brut Nature Champagne Agrapart | Champagne

Champagne Agrapart 's Champagne Grand Cru Vénus Brut Nature is one of the most emblematic cuvées in the Côte des Blancs, in the heart of the Avize Grand Cru. From a small parcel of just 60 ares called La Fosse aux Pourceaux, this 100% Chardonnay cuvée is born on a chalky hillside worked for decades by Pascal Agrapart using a demanding approach, exclusively by hand and horse. The name Vénus is a nod to the mare that used to plough this plot, and pays homage to the long-standing link between soil, vine and man. The old Chardonnay vines, planted in 1959, sink their roots into deep chalk mixed with chalky clay. A leading figure in artisanal Champagne, Champagne Pascal Agrapart & Fils crafts Blanc de Blancs Vénus with meticulous attention to detail and a constant quest for the clarity of the Avize terroir. Winemaking takes place in old barrels and demi-muids, with natural fermentation and full malolactic fermentation, followed by 5-6 years ageing on lees before disgorgement. The total absence of dosage gives this Grand Cru Brut Nature an unpretentious expression, focused on substance and structure.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Champagne Agrapart & Fils ' Grand Cru Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Vénus is the emblem of the wine estate. It is unquestionably a great Champagne de terroir, shaped by chalk, time and the confident hand of Pascal Agrapart. This cuvée parcellaire highlights a precise architecture deeply rooted in the chalky soil of Avize, with a natural density that expresses itself all the better without dosage. A Grand Cru for ageing and gastronomy, a wine you must drink in your life!

The nose reveals the formidable minerality of this parcel-based cuvée from the Avize hillside, enveloped in elegant, evolved notes reminiscent of acacia honey, roasted hazelnuts and warm brioche. Smooth aromas of white flowers, fresh citrus and yellow fruit sublimate the chalky structure and reinforce the purity of this Blanc de Blancs.

On the palate, lively acidity structures a full, flavorful body with remarkably well-defined, extremely delicate effervescence. The silky texture envelops complex flavors of citrus, white fruit and pastry notes with delight. Fine bitters lend an almost tannic feel to the tasting, while the very sapid finish stretches out over a saline, chalky sensation.