What wine is Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 'Terre Cuite' 2017 - Vazart-Coquart
The Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 'Terre Cuite' 2017 - Vazart-Coquart is born in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, one of the most renowned areas of Champagne, famous for the production of Chardonnay-based labels. This wine is signed by the Vazart-Coquart maison, a historic estate in Chouilly that bases its philosophy on precision, sustainability, and respect for the terroir. It is a Blanc de Blancs, meaning a Champagne produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, the grape variety symbolic of elegance and freshness. The blend is interpreted here with a modern, essential, and taut style, enhanced by the Méthode Champenoise – also known as the traditional method – which involves a second fermentation in the bottle and a long aging on the lees to obtain fine and persistent bubbles.Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage in Champagne was characterized by varied climatic conditions: an early and warm spring, followed by a bright but not excessively hot summer. The Chardonnay grapes harvested in Chouilly benefited from a balanced maturation, with a perfect balance between acidity and aromatic richness. The result is a Champagne that combines mineral tension and softness, a faithful interpreter of the vintage's identity.Winemaking and Aging
The Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 'Terre Cuite' 2017 - Vazart-Coquart is vinified according to the traditional method. After the first fermentation in steel tanks, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle where it remains aging on its lees for several years, enriching itself with complexity and depth of taste. The Extra Brut dosage – with a very low residual sugar – enhances the purity of the fruit and the minerality of the Chardonnay, offering an essential and refined style.Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, it presents a luminous straw yellow with golden reflections and a fine, continuous, and persistent perlage, a sign of great care in the aging process.Nose
On the nose, it develops elegant and distinct aromas: white flowers, ripe citrus, and dried fruit blend with subtle notes of bread crust and pastry. With aeration, mineral hints emerge, recalling the chalk and flint typical of Chouilly.Palate
On the palate, it is linear, taut, and harmonious. The texture is creamy, supported by very fine bubbles and vibrant acidity. The finish is long and savory, with a pleasant persistence that invites another sip.Food Pairings for Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 'Terre Cuite' 2017 - Vazart-Coquart
This Champagne is ideal as a refined aperitif, but also finds perfect pairings at the table. Its freshness and structure make it a versatile companion for seafood dishes and delicate preparations. It is particularly recommended with:- Tuna or salmon tartare with citrus;
- Gratinated scallops or fresh oysters;
- Fish ravioli with lemon butter;
- Soft cheeses and croutons with acacia honey.
Storage and Aging
For those who want to know how to store Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 'Terre Cuite' 2017 - Vazart-Coquart, it is important to follow a few simple rules to maintain its qualities intact.Store bottles:
- in a dark cellar, away from direct light sources and temperature fluctuations;
- at a constant temperature between 10 and 12 °C;
- horizontally, to keep the cork always moist and ensure a perfect seal;
- away from vibrations or strong odors.
Vazart-Coquart
The history of the Vazart-Coquart winery The Vazart-Coquart winery is a symbol of tradition and innovation in the French wine landscape. Founded in the early twentieth century, this prestigious house has managed to combine respect for ancient traditions with a modern and sustainable approach, mai...
How to Open and Best Serve Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 'Terre Cuite' 2017 - Vazart-Coquart
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 'Terre Cuite' 2017 - Vazart-Coquart, it is important to position the bottle correctly. Letting it rest in a vertical position for at least 24 hours allows sediments to settle at the bottom, ensuring a clearer and more elegant pour. Avoid sudden movements or shaking, especially if the bottle has been recently moved.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The perfect temperature for serving this Champagne is between 9°C and 10°C. You can achieve this balance by placing the bottle in an ice bucket with water for about 25-30 minutes, or in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before tasting. A temperature that is too low can compromise the aromatic complexity, while one that is too high intensifies the alcohol and reduces freshness.
3. Opening the Bottle
To safely open Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 'Terre Cuite' 2017 - Vazart-Coquart:
- Remove the foil and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork to prevent sudden opening.
- Hold the bottle at a 45° angle and twist the base, not the cork, in a slow and controlled manner.
- When you hear the typical sigh, it means the pressure has been released correctly: the cork should be extracted discreetly, not with a pop.
4. Inspection and First Taste
After opening, observe the color: Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 'Terre Cuite' 2017 - Vazart-Coquart is distinguished by golden hues and luminous reflections. Gently sniff the freshly poured glass to check the aromatic integrity and cleanliness of the bouquet, then proceed with a small taste to confirm its vitality and pearlescent lightness.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
While decanting is not always necessary for Champagnes, in the case of an aged vintage like this, brief oxygenation can be beneficial. Pour the Champagne slowly into a large carafe or, even better, a large glass, and let it breathe for 5-10 minutes. This process helps to open up the aromatic range, revealing nuances of yeast, citrus, and minerality typical of the cuvée.
6. Serving
To fully appreciate the characteristics of this Champagne:
- Use tulip glasses or white wine glasses, which enhance the perlage and concentrate the aromas.
- Pour slowly, filling the glass one-third full.
- Serve with delicate dishes: carpaccio, oysters, shellfish, or fresh cheeses are ideal pairings.
7. Storage After Opening
If you don't consume the entire bottle immediately, seal it with an airtight Champagne stopper and store it in the refrigerator. Under these conditions, the wine will maintain its freshness and effervescence for 24-48 hours. Avoid leaving it at room temperature, as it would lose its fizz and aromatic complexity.
By following these steps, you will be able to enjoy every nuance of Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 'Terre Cuite' 2017 - Vazart-Coquart like a true connoisseur.