David Léclapart : L'Apôtre Blanc de Blancs 2013

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for L'Apôtre Blanc de Blancs 2013 by David Léclapart

Tasting

Nose
The nose of L'Apôtre Blanc de Blancs 2013 stands out for its complexity, hinting at woody and spicy nuances inherited from its ageing in old oak barrels. This dense, multifaceted aromatic profile reflects the maturity of the old Chardonnay vines from which it is made.

Palate
On the palate, this Champagne reveals a full, vinous texture, carried by beautiful depth and great tactile richness. Full malolactic fermentation and extended ageing on the lees give it an enveloping roundness, while the tension typical of the chalky terroir of Trépail brings freshness and balance to this dense and demanding whole.

A Biodynamic Blanc de Blancs, Reflecting the Chalky Terroir of Trépail in the Montagne de Reims

The estate

Founded in 1998 by David Léclapart in Trépail, a Premier Cru village in the Montagne de Reims, Champagne David Léclapart covers approximately 3 hectares devoted to Chardonnay. A pioneer of biodynamics in Champagne since 1996, David now runs the estate with his wife Carole, and his son Martin has been involved since 2020. The house is distinguished by its hand-harvested grapes, fermentations with indigenous yeasts and low-dosage cuvées, crafted with respect for the terroir and in keeping with the philosophy of "purity, energy, pleasure and ecology".

The vineyard

L'Apôtre Blanc de Blancs 2013 comes exclusively from the "La Pierre Saint-Martin" plot, planted in 1946 by David Léclapart's grandfather in Trépail, a Premier Cru of the Montagne de Reims. This chalky Champagne terroir, typical of the village, encourages slow ripening of the Chardonnay and gives the grapes a pronounced minerality. These old vines, farmed biodynamically, are harvested by hand, in respect of the surrounding biodiversity.

Vinification and ageing

This Blanc de Blancs Champagne is vinified entirely in old oak barrels, notably from Domaine Leflaive in Bourgogne, with indigenous yeasts. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in full, and the wine then benefits from extended ageing on the lees, promoting the development of complex aromatics and a full texture. No dosage is added at the end of this long process.

Grape variety

This Champagne is made from 100% Chardonnay, sourced from the single plot of La Pierre Saint-Martin.