Nv Gaston Chiquet 'Blanc De Blancs d’ Aÿ’ Brut

Champagne, France

100% Chardonnay from vineyards in Aÿ Grand Cru (a region best known for red grapes) planted to clay and limestone over chalk. The wine sees 48 months sur lie and undergoes full malolactic fermentation. Nicolas Chiquet farms 23 hectares in the Valle de la Marne in the villages of Ay, Dizy, Hautvillers and Mareuil-sur-Ay. Nicolas does not employ any oak aging at Gaston Chiquet; he believes that concentration, fruit maturity and malolactic fermentation impart enough body and texture to make aging in barrel unnecessary. Bright, effusive and full of character. Chardonnay is so expressive in Aÿ, where the aromatics are beautifully lifted and there is plenty of depth. Lemon confit, spice, apricot, tangerine peel and light tropical notes all grace this super-expressive Blanc de Blancs.