Domaine Alexandre Bonnet : "Les Riceys" Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut

Ripe Chardonnay from the southern Aube region give this Champagne a fine texture. It has a mineral edge, its white fruits giving both freshness and tight acidity at the end. Drink now.

Coming from Les Riceys and based on the 2018 vintage, the NV Champagne Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut is made from a blend of Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, from the Kimmeridgian limestone soils of the Côte des Bars. It pours a shimmering silver/straw color and is expressive on the nose with notes of fresh pear, beeswax, white flowers, bread dough, and green almond. The palate is medium to full-bodied and offers a silky rounded texture, with an elegantly pillowing mousse and a straightforward, delicately leesy feel. It's a unique and very nicely done Champagne to enjoy over the coming 5-6 years. Disgorged in January 2023, it saw less than 3 grams per liter dosage.

A lovely pale yellow color with green highlights; the Chardonnay is clear, showing ripeness balanced on a razor’s edge. It comes across as pure, with no earthy or rooty notes from the vintage, but on the palate it is rather linear, without much richness or breadth. The vintage is well handled, with a sharp acidity on the finish.