Champagne mineral blanc de blancs grand cru 2016 (Agrapart)

Drink now or cellar for up to 14 years. Serve chilled. The Agrapart family have been making Champagne on their estate in Avize in the heart of the Cote de Blancs since 1894 when the house was founded aby Arthur Agrapart. Today the property is run by two brothers, Pascal and Fabrice Agrapart, who took over in 1984. The duo have dedicated themselves to making Agrapart one of the finest grower Champagnes. A core part of their philosophy is sustainable agriculture and a light touch which includes the use of a horse in the vineyards and wild yeasts to facilitate fermentation. The brothers’ Mineral Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is a remarkable vintage Champagne which is sourced from two prime chalk-based vineyards in Avize. This terroir is exceptionally-well suited to Chardonnay and produces a mineral-driven expression of the variety which combines harmoniously with the brioche and butter notes from extended lees ageing in the bottle. Part of the wine is fermented in oak barrels which adds extra complexity and a creamy texture to the finished Champagne. On the nose there are enticing notes of lemon zest, fresh pastries, and mineral notes while the first sip reveals a smooth mousse, vibrant freshness and a very long finish.