Pre Arrival Chartogne-Taillet Champagne "Chemin de Reims" Extra Brut 2023

Notes:

Producer: Chartogne-Taillet is a grower Champagne estate based in Merfy, on the southern slopes of the Massif de Saint-Thierry, northwest of Reims. Alexandre Chartogne has directed the domaine since 2006, overseeing approximately 11 hectares divided among 13 principal parcels. His approach centers on understanding Merfy parcel by parcel, with meticulous vineyard work and separate vinification allowing individual sites to retain their identities. The estate works with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier, as well as a small amount of the historic Champagne variety Arbanne. This parcel-focused approach has produced a range of distinctive single-site Champagnes, with Chemin de Reims standing as the domaine’s expression of Chardonnay from one of Merfy’s most geologically interesting vineyards.
Vineyard: Chemin de Reims is a single parcel in Merfy planted to Chardonnay, with vines dating from 1980, 1995 and 2011 and a south to southeast exposure. What makes the vineyard particularly distinctive is its soil profile. The surface consists of red and orange Thanetian calcareous sands, rich in iron, while Campanian chalk begins approximately 60 centimeters below the surface. Chartogne-Taillet describes the resulting wine as broad and structured through the middle of the palate before becoming more tense toward the finish, with the iron-rich soil exerting such a strong influence that the character of the site can become more prominent than the obvious signatures of Chardonnay. It is a fascinating example of how dramatically the soils of Merfy can shape Champagne.
Winemaking: Chemin de Reims is vinified separately to preserve the identity of its individual parcel. Since 2012, Chartogne-Taillet has raised the wine in 350- to 600-liter oak barrels, with Alexandre selecting relatively protective barrels suited to the density and structure of the wine. The barrels are regularly topped following fermentation, helping maintain the character of the vineyard throughout élevage. Barrel fermentation and aging are an important part of Chartogne-Taillet’s approach, providing texture and dimension while keeping the underlying expression of the vineyard at the center of the wine. Chemin de Reims is finished as Extra Brut, a low-dosage style that complements the combination of breadth, structure and tension produced by this unusual site.
Technical Details: 2023 vintage; Champagne AOC; Extra Brut; 100% Chardonnay; Chemin de Reims vineyard; Merfy, Massif de Saint-Thierry, Champagne, France; vines planted in 1980, 1995 and 2011; south/southeast exposure; red and orange Thanetian calcareous sands over Campanian chalk beginning approximately 60 centimeters below the surface; élevage in 350- to 600-liter oak barrels. Chemin de Reims is a particularly distinctive expression of Chardonnay within Chartogne-Taillet’s parcel-by-parcel range, combining the warmth and structure associated with its iron-rich sandy surface soils with the underlying chalk of Merfy.
Food Pairing: The combination of Chardonnay, Extra Brut dosage and the naturally broad structure of Chemin de Reims makes this a Champagne with plenty of possibilities at the table. It is particularly well suited to oysters, scallops, lobster, crab, sashimi, sole, turbot and other white fish, while its texture gives it enough presence for roast poultry, creamy seafood preparations and soft-ripened cheeses. Serving it around 10–12°C rather than extremely cold allows more of the wine’s texture, depth and distinctive mineral character to emerge.

Chartogne-Taillet Champagne "Chemin de Reims" Extra Brut 2023

Name: Chartogne-Taillet Champagne "Chemin de Reims" Extra Brut 2023
Brand: Vins Rare
SKU: 102599
Price: 110.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock