
Notes:
- Producer: Domaine André Robert is a family-owned grower Champagne estate rooted in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, one of the great Chardonnay villages of the Côte des Blancs. The family’s history in the village extends back several generations, with André Robert establishing the domaine in 1962. Today the estate is led by Jean-Baptiste Denizart, who represents the next generation. The domaine’s vineyards are centered on Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Chardonnay grown on the village’s chalk soils is central to its identity.
- Vineyard: Les Jardins du Mesnil is a 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs produced from estate vineyards in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Grand Cru. The vineyards are planted on the village’s classic pure chalk soils, which define much of the terroir of this part of the Côte des Blancs. Le Mesnil-sur-Oger is particularly associated with Chardonnay, and this cuvée is designed as a direct expression of the domaine’s home village rather than a blend assembled from multiple villages.
- Winemaking: The Chardonnay is harvested by hand and whole-cluster pressed. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts, with the wine divided between temperature-controlled tanks (40%) and older French oak barrels (60%). The use of older oak provides a neutral vessel for the majority of the wine rather than introducing a strong new-oak character. Malolactic fermentation is blocked, preserving the wine’s natural acidity. Following the initial élevage, the Champagne undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle and spends a minimum of four years on the lees before release. It is finished without dosage.
- Technical Details: 100% Chardonnay. Champagne AOC. Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Grand Cru, Côte des Blancs. Estate-grown fruit from pure chalk soils. Hand harvested and whole-cluster pressed. Indigenous yeast fermentation. 40% temperature-controlled tank / 60% older French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation blocked. Minimum four years on the lees. Dosage: 0 g/L. Brut Nature. 12% alcohol.
- Food Pairing: The combination of Chardonnay, zero dosage and the naturally firm profile associated with Le Mesnil makes this particularly well suited to seafood. Oysters, shellfish, crudo, sushi and simply prepared white fish are natural choices. It would also pair well with grilled or roasted fish, scallops, fresh goat cheese, or aged Comté.
André Robert Champagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Nature “Les Jardins du Mesnil” NV
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