What kind of wine is Champagne Blanc de Blancs - Champagne Rodez?
Champagne Blanc de Blancs - Champagne Rodez is the purest expression of Chardonnay, sourced from the vineyards of Ambonnay, one of Champagne's most renowned crus. The Eric Rodez house, located in the heart of the Montagne de Reims, is known for its artisanal philosophy and sustainable viticulture vision. This Champagne is born from the skillful use of the Champenoise method (or traditional method), which involves a second fermentation in the bottle to naturally develop the bubbles, ensuring finesse, complexity, and a long finish.
Vintage Details
Champagne Blanc de Blancs - Champagne Rodez is the result of a blend of approximately six different vintages. The Chardonnay grapes, coming from the most suitable vineyards, benefit from an ideal microclimate: sunny summers, balanced temperature excursions, and chalky soils that promote freshness and minerality. This vintage selection work allows for a Champagne that is consistent in style, yet always vibrant and rich in aromatic nuances.
Winemaking and Aging
Vinification takes place for 70% in small oak barrels, which impart complexity and structure, while approximately 40% of the base wines do not undergo malolactic fermentation, preserving acidity and palate tension. Aging on the lees in the bottle continues for several years, well beyond the minimum limits required by the regulations, allowing the wine to develop evolved aromas and a fine, creamy perlage. The final dosage, a controlled addition of sugar, is kept low to maintain balance and expressive naturalness.
Tasting Notes
Color
Visually, Champagne Blanc de Blancs - Champagne Rodez presents a brilliant straw yellow color, traversed by a very fine and continuous perlage, a sign of long maturation and great care in the prise de mousse.
Nose
The bouquet is elegant and complex: notes of citrus, white flowers, and hazelnut emerge, accompanied by hints of bread crust and slight toasted nuances due to oak aging. The aromatic intensity evolves with oxygenation, revealing a progression of aromas that invites tasting.
Palate
On the palate, it is balanced and creamy, with subtle bubbles that caress the taste. The mineral texture, typical of Ambonnay Chardonnay, supports a lively freshness and a long, refined finish. Its aromatic persistence is one of its most distinctive qualities, capable of leaving an elegant and clean sensation.
Food Pairings for Champagne Blanc de Blancs - Champagne Rodez
Champagne Blanc de Blancs - Champagne Rodez is perfect as an aperitif or paired with refined seafood dishes. It pairs magnificently with:
- White fish tartare or shellfish
- Oysters and seafood
- Tuna or salmon carpaccio
- Delicate pasta dishes with vegetables or fish
- Fresh, soft cheeses, such as burrata or young goat cheese
Also excellent with light vegetarian dishes or sushi, to enhance its purity and gustatory freshness.
Storage and Aging: How to Store Champagne Blanc de Blancs - Champagne Rodez
To best preserve the qualities of Champagne Blanc de Blancs - Champagne Rodez, it is important to store it correctly. The bottle should be stored horizontally, in a cool environment with a constant temperature around 10-12°C. Direct light and vibrations should be avoided, as they can compromise the wine's evolution and the finesse of its bubbles. Under these conditions, this Champagne can evolve harmoniously for several years, enriching itself with new aromatic and gustatory nuances.
Rodez
The History of Champagne Rodez Winery The history of Champagne Rodez is a journey that unites tradition and innovation. Founded at the beginning of the 20th century, the winery is still family-run today, passed down from generation to generation. The passion for the terroir and respect for tradit...