What kind of wine is Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut “Les Fourches” 2019 - Cazé-Thibaut
The Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut “Les Fourches” 2019 - Cazé-Thibaut is an artisanal label, produced in limited quantities in the Châtillon-sur-Marne area, in the heart of the Vallée de la Marne. The Cazé-Thibaut winery, young but already highly esteemed, is driven by a handcrafted and nature-friendly approach. This Blanc de Blancs is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, grown on clay-sandy soils rich in chalk, a perfect environment to give the wines freshness and mineral tension.
Like every true Champagne, "Les Fourches" is also produced with the traditional Méthode Champenoise (also called classic method): a process that involves a second fermentation in the bottle to create natural effervescence and a long aging on the lees, responsible for its aromatic complexity and finesse on the palate.
Vintage Details
The 2019 vintage is remembered for a balanced climate during the key stages of maturation. Mild spring temperatures ensured regular flowering, while the dry and sunny summer favored the aromatic concentration of the grapes and the maintenance of a marked natural acidity, an essential element for a classy Blanc de Blancs. The result is an elegant, vibrant wine with excellent aging potential.
Winemaking and Aging
The Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut “Les Fourches” 2019 ferments spontaneously in oak barrels, thanks to the indigenous yeasts naturally present in the grapes. It is not filtered, a choice that allows the purity of the fruit and the identity of the terroir to be preserved intact. After fermentation, the wine ages for over 30 months on its lees, enriching itself with complexity and finesse. The Extra Brut dosage, with few grams of residual sugar, maintains the tense and mineral character typical of the Cazé-Thibaut style.
Tasting Notes
Color
Visually, it presents a bright straw yellow, with golden reflections and extraordinary luminosity. The perlage is fine, continuous, and persistent, a distinctive sign of long aging on the lees and excellent artisanal craftsmanship.
Nose
The bouquet is elegant and complex: it opens with notes of candied citrus and white flowers, followed by hints of hazelnut, bread crust, and chalk. The balance between freshness and aromatic depth perfectly tells the mineral and refined soul of this Champagne.
Palate
On the palate, it is tense and vertical, with a creamy texture supported by fine and persistent bubbles. Salinity is a protagonist, accompanied by sensations of ripe citrus and a long, clean, and mineral finish. A sip that combines precision and harmony, making it a Champagne of great character and gastronomic versatility.
Food Pairings for Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut “Les Fourches” 2019 - Cazé-Thibaut
Perfect as an aperitif for important occasions, this Champagne lends itself to numerous food pairings. Its freshness and mineral tension are enhanced with:
- Raw seafood such as oysters, tuna tartare, or white fish carpaccio
- Steamed or grilled crustaceans
- Fresh and delicate goat cheeses
- Vegetarian dishes with seasonal vegetables and a citrus touch
An ideal glass also to accompany light Asian cuisine dishes or to toast elegantly on special occasions.
Storage and Aging: How to store Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut “Les Fourches” 2019 - Cazé-Thibaut wine
To preserve its integrity and freshness, it is important to know how to properly store Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut “Les Fourches” 2019 - Cazé-Thibaut wine:
- Keep bottles in a horizontal position, so that the cork remains moist and does not lose elasticity.
- Maintain a constant temperature between 10°C and 12°C, avoiding sudden changes in temperature.
- Store in a dark, vibration-free place, so as not to alter the perlage and aromatic delicacy.
"Les Fourches" can be enjoyed immediately to appreciate its freshness, but those who wish to discover its evolution can let it rest in the cellar for a few years: time will enrich the aromas with toasted and honeyed nuances, making it even more fascinating.
Cazé-Thibaut
The History of Cazé-Thibaut Winery The Cazé-Thibaut winery boasts a history rich in tradition and innovation, shaped by generations of passion and dedication to the art of winemaking. Founded in the heart of renowned wine regions, the winery has distinguished itself by respecting ancient artisana...