Rising Star, Etienne Calsac
Before I launch into the main point of today’s email, I’d like to briefly mention that I have 6 magnums of the finest Champagne I have ever had the pleasure of drinking: 2008 Dom Perignon Rose ,1.5ltr. I realize it’s pricey, but it’s a high water mark not only for Dom Perignon vintage wine, but for all fine Champagne! More info on the site!
Now, to the matter at hand….
Etienne Calsac Champagne is challenging to acquire in the quantities I’d like to offer for sale. Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of meeting Etienne at his winery (or should I say his warehouse) located in Avize. He is young! And an up-and-comer vigneron with the potential to be a superstar. Some may argue he's already on his way but the problem is, he doesn’t make much…right now.
I’ve held off sending this offer hoping I was going to get substantially more, at least that was what the importer told me. “Substantially more” turned out to be a couple of 6 packs, but I guess a little of something special is better than nothing at all.
These wines are very much worth your attention. Don’t blink - they WILL disappear!
Varietal: Chardonnay
Organic. 100% Chardonnay.
Base 2021 vintage.
Sourced entirely from a single vineyard called Les Rocheforts, situated in the town of Bisseuil, a premier cru village in the Cote des Blancs. Vines average 30 years in age- the soil is chalk and the exposure is southeast. Only the coeur de cuvee juice is used. Primary fermentation in tank with malolactic fermentation in a combination of barrel (15% for 7 months) and tank. Bottled in May 15 and disgorged in July 2018. Dosage 4 g/L (MCR).
Varietal: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Rose Champagne Organic. 89 % Chardonnay 11% Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay is sourced from a premier cru plot mainly from the terroirs of Bisseuil (80%) and Avize (20%) with the Pinot Noir coming from the Vallee de la Marne – Base wine is currently 2016 vintage. Average vine age of 30 years. Limestone and chalk with South and Southeast exposure. Plowing by tractor and horse to fully express the complexity of the terroir. Direct press of the entire harvest with only the coeur de cuvée kept for the vinification. Wine aged on the lees for 7 months with natural malo before bottling. 15% of the wine is aged in used barrels purchased from Bereche, unfiltered and not cold-stabilized. 24 months minimum on the lees and disgorged in July 2018. Dosage 4 g/l (MCR).
Varietal: Chardonnay
Color: Champagne
Farming Practice: Organic
Organic. 100% Chardonnay. 30 year old avg vines. Clay-limestone soils. Chardonnay mainly from 1er cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, Grauves with North and Northwest exposure. Direct press of the entire harvest with separation of the juice. Only the “cuvée” is kept for the vinification. Base Wine (currently 2016 vtg) aged on the lees for 7 months before bottling with 30% reserve wine. Disgorged July 2018. Dosage 2g/L
L’Echappée Belle' translates to 'The Great Escape.' 70% of the base wine comes from the village of Grauves, known for its cooler microclimate. The vineyards were planted by Etienne’s grandparents, who are both from Grauves. Beginning in 2011, Etienne has kept a perpetual reserve just for this cuvée, and 30% of the final blend of 'L’Echappée Belle' is produced with reserve wine.
