Fleury Champagne “Sonate” Extra Brut 2013

2013 Champagne Fleury Champagne Sonate Extra Brut

Notes:

Producer: Champagne Fleury is one of the true pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in Champagne. Based in Courteron in the Côte des Bar, the Fleury family has farmed these vineyards since 1895 and became the first estate in Champagne to convert entirely to biodynamic farming in 1989 under Jean-Pierre Fleury. Today, Benoît Fleury continues that philosophy, combining biodynamic farming with massal selection, agroforestry, and regenerative vineyard practices designed to preserve biodiversity and soil health. Every cuvée reflects the family's belief that healthy vineyards require minimal intervention in the cellar. Native yeasts, restrained sulfur use—or, in the case of Sonate, no added sulfur—and long lees aging produce wines that are energetic, expressive, and deeply reflective of their terroir. Fleury remains one of Champagne's benchmark artisanal producers, admired for its commitment to both sustainability and authenticity.
Vineyard: Sonate is produced from the estate's finest vineyard parcels in the Côte des Bar, blending approximately 92% Pinot Noir and 8% Pinot Blanc. The vineyards are planted on the region's distinctive Kimmeridgian limestone and clay soils, geologically similar to those of nearby Chablis. These soils provide both richness and mineral tension, while the warmer climate of the Côte des Bar allows Pinot Noir to achieve exceptional ripeness without sacrificing freshness. The inclusion of Pinot Blanc—a rarity in modern Champagne—adds lift, floral aromatics, and an extra layer of complexity to this singular cuvée.
Winemaking: Sonate represents one of Fleury's most ambitious bottlings. Produced without any added sulfur, the base wines are fermented using a combination of 55% stainless steel tanks and 45% French oak barrels, followed by full malolactic fermentation. The wine is bottled with an exceptionally low 0.5–1 g/L dosage, preserving both purity and tension while allowing the vineyard to take center stage. Extended lees aging contributes remarkable texture and complexity, producing a Champagne with aromas of baked apple, dried stone fruit, citrus peel, toasted brioche, spice, and subtle smoky nuances. Despite its richness, the wine remains remarkably focused, finishing with impressive mineral length.
Technical Details: Champagne AOC; Vintage 2013; 92% Pinot Noir, 8% Pinot Blanc; Côte des Bar; biodynamically farmed vineyards; no added sulfur; 55% stainless steel, 45% oak barrel fermentation; full malolactic fermentation; Extra Brut; 0.5–1 g/L dosage; approximately 6,700 bottles produced; 12% alcohol.
Food Pairing: Roast lobster, veal, guinea hen, mushroom dishes, foie gras, aged Comté, truffle risotto, and roasted poultry all pair beautifully with Sonate. The wine offers layers of baked apple, dried apricot, candied citrus, toasted brioche, gingerbread, hazelnut, and crushed stone, supported by a creamy mousse and vibrant mineral backbone. Its combination of extended élevage, minimal dosage, and sulfur-free winemaking makes it one of Champagne's most distinctive gastronomic cuvées, with the structure and complexity to continue evolving gracefully in the cellar for many years.