{"product_id":"antoine-bouvet-champagne-les-monts-de-la-vallee-blanc-de-noirs-2022-copy","title":"Antoine Bouvet Champagne “Les Monts de la Vallée” Blanc de Noirs (R23)","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Antoine Bouvet is a small family-owned Champagne estate based in \u003cstrong\u003eMareuil-sur-Aÿ\u003c\/strong\u003e in the Grande Vallée de la Marne. The modern domaine was established in the \u003cstrong\u003e1970s\u003c\/strong\u003e, when Antoine Bouvet revived the family label originally founded by his grandfather, Guy Bouvet. Today the estate farms approximately \u003cstrong\u003e5 hectares\u003c\/strong\u003e of Premier Cru vineyards located in \u003cstrong\u003eMareuil-sur-Aÿ, Bisseuil, and Avenay-Val-d'Or\u003c\/strong\u003e, with an emphasis on low yields and sustainable viticulture. Much of the vineyard is cultivated using practices inspired by biodynamics, including regular soil cultivation, cover crops, and the elimination of chemical herbicides. In the cellar, Antoine Bouvet favors spontaneous fermentations and extended élevage in oak barrels, allowing each cuvée to develop naturally with minimal intervention. Production remains extremely limited, with many bottlings numbering only a few hundred bottles, reflecting the domaine's focus on individual parcels and small-lot winemaking rather than volume. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eLes Monts de la Vallée\u003c\/em\u003e is produced entirely from \u003cstrong\u003e100% Pinot Noir\u003c\/strong\u003e grown in \u003cstrong\u003ePremier Cru vineyards\u003c\/strong\u003e within the Grande Vallée de la Marne. The Base 2023 release continues the estate's focus on expressing a single grape variety from one growing season rather than relying on extensive reserve blending. The vineyards are planted on the classic \u003cstrong\u003echalk, limestone, and marl soils\u003c\/strong\u003e that characterize this section of Champagne, with Pinot Noir benefiting from the region's combination of well-drained chalk subsoils and clay-rich topsoils that retain sufficient moisture during the growing season. Many of the vines are the result of \u003cstrong\u003emassal selections\u003c\/strong\u003e and average approximately \u003cstrong\u003e40 years of age\u003c\/strong\u003e, naturally limiting yields while producing fruit with greater concentration. The Grande Vallée de la Marne has long been regarded as one of Champagne's finest sources for Pinot Noir, producing wines that combine breadth and structure with pronounced mineral freshness. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaking:\u003c\/strong\u003e Produced from \u003cstrong\u003e100% Pinot Noir\u003c\/strong\u003e, the grapes are harvested entirely by hand before undergoing gentle pressing. Fermentation occurs with \u003cstrong\u003eindigenous yeasts\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the wine is vinified and matured primarily in \u003cstrong\u003eFrench oak barrels\u003c\/strong\u003e, a hallmark of Antoine Bouvet's cellar philosophy. Rather than emphasizing primary fruit, barrel fermentation and lees aging contribute texture and complexity while allowing the vineyard character to remain at the forefront. The Base 2023 bottling is a \u003cstrong\u003esingle-harvest Blanc de Noirs\u003c\/strong\u003e, highlighting the growing season rather than blending multiple vintages. The wine is bottled as \u003cstrong\u003eExtra Brut\u003c\/strong\u003e, preserving freshness and emphasizing the natural balance achieved in the vineyard rather than relying on dosage for texture. Like the rest of the range, \u003cem\u003eLes Monts de la Vallée\u003c\/em\u003e is produced in very limited quantities, reflecting the estate's small holdings and parcel-by-parcel approach to vinification. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e The structure of Pinot Noir combined with the wine's low dosage and barrel élevage makes \u003cem\u003eLes Monts de la Vallée\u003c\/em\u003e particularly well suited to the table. It pairs naturally with roast chicken, guinea fowl, veal cutlets, pork loin, duck breast, and mushroom-based dishes, while its mineral backbone also complements grilled lobster, scallops, Dover sole, and roasted turbot. The wine's vinous texture makes it equally appropriate alongside aged Comté, Chaource, or Brie de Meaux, where its freshness balances the richness of the cheeses without overwhelming them.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vins Rare","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50277677170927,"sku":"102581","price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0707\/7140\/9135\/files\/2022AntoineBouvetLesMontsdelaValleeBlancdeNoirs_2022.png?v=1753358454","url":"https:\/\/vinsrare.com\/products\/antoine-bouvet-champagne-les-monts-de-la-vallee-blanc-de-noirs-2022-copy","provider":"Vins Rare","version":"1.0","type":"link"}