Champagne Grand Cru EXP 20 Brut Nature Agrapart | Champagne

Champagne Agrapart 's Champagne Grand Cru EXP 20 Brut Nature is a cuvée of radical experimentation, designed to take Pascal Agrapart's philosophy of natural Champagne to the extreme. This exceptional Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is born of old Chardonnay vines rooted in the chalk that is emblematic of the prestigious terroirs of Avize, on the Côte des Blancs. The project is based on winemaking without external inputs, which Champagne Pascal Agrapart & Fils accompanies as usual with careful tillage and vineyard management that respects the natural balance. Natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts and complete malolactic fermentation take place exclusively in demi-muids. For the prise de mousse, the traditional liqueur de tirage is replaced by a fraction of wine from the same plot, preserved for this purpose, whose natural sugars enable the second fermentation in the bottle. This method excludes any external contribution and creates effervescence from the 2020 vintage alone. The wine is aged on its lees for 48 months in old barrels. Disgorgement takes place 2 months before release, with no dosage, to take the natural approach of this Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature to its logical conclusion.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru EXP 20 is unique in Pascal Agrapart's world, as this cuvée takes the notion of Champagne de terroir to the extreme. Here, the total absence of dosage and inputs highlights the mineral energy of Avize and the depth of old Chardonnay vines. The vintage offers a concentrated, vinous substance, which ageing in old barrels enhances with a fearsomely seductive evolution. The Brut Nature dosage lends this Blanc de Blancs the aura of purity and authenticity typical of Champagne Agrapart & Fils.

The nose reveals a sophisticated, charming bouquet of fresh citrus, lily, white fruit and damp chalk. Prolonged ageing makes itself delicately felt in notes of fresh hazelnuts, warm bread and nutmeg, while a discreet hint of smoke reinforces the aromatic depth of this Chardonnay.

On the palate, the pure energy of the bright acidity blends perfectly with the creamy, voluptuous texture. The delicate, salivating bubbles accompany the lemony, stony flavors of the terroir. The tertiary notes give the wine a fullness of body, and carry through to a finish of delicate, finely tannic bitters. The long finish of this Cuvée Expérience reflects the maturity of the old vines and the mineral intensity of the Avize terroir, with a balance rarely achieved in Grand Cru Champagne. A true experience!