What kind of wine is Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru AOC 'Chêne la Butte' 2017 - Vadin-Plateau?
The Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru AOC 'Chêne la Butte' 2017 - Vadin-Plateau is an elegant expression of pure Chardonnay, symbolizing the sophistication and authentic character of the Vadin-Plateau house. This Champagne originates near the village of Cumières, in the heart of the Vallée de la Marne, from a parcel cultivated according to biodynamic principles, respecting the natural balance of the soil and the vine. Made with the traditional Champenoise method – i.e., secondary fermentation in the bottle – this Blanc de Blancs embodies the purity and complexity that only a Premier Cru can offer: a wine that tells the story of its terroir and the producer's sensitivity.Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage in Champagne was characterized by alternating cool weather and warm periods, requiring careful vineyard management. The temperature fluctuations between day and night favored excellent grape ripening, giving Chardonnay fine aromas and a pronounced acidity, essential elements for the wine's longevity and freshness. Manual harvesting, carried out at perfect ripeness, ensured the selection of the best bunches.Winemaking and Aging
The Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru AOC 'Chêne la Butte' 2017 - Vadin-Plateau is born from precise winemaking that respects the raw material. The base wines ferment in concrete tanks and oval clay vessels, which promote natural micro-oxygenation and preserve the aromatic integrity of the Chardonnay. The cuvée rests for at least 4 years on its lees, the necessary time to develop complex aromas and a fine, creamy mousse. The dosage is "Brut Nature," meaning no added sugar, a choice that maximizes the freshness, minerality, and authenticity of the terroir.Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, it presents a bright straw-yellow color, enriched with golden reflections. The fine and persistent bubbles create an elegant perlage that anticipates the wine's gustatory finesse.Nose
On the nose, it expresses a delicate yet profound bouquet: notes of white flowers and citrus blend with hints of ripe fruit and fresh almond. With aeration, light mineral nuances and hints of bread crust emerge, typical of extended aging on the lees.Palate
On the palate, it reveals a perfect balance between freshness and structure. The attack is tense and vibrant, supported by pronounced minerality; the finish is clean, long, and savory, with a persistence that immediately invites another sip. It is a Champagne that speaks of purity, precision, and terroir.Food Pairings for Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru AOC 'Chêne la Butte' 2017 - Vadin-Plateau
This Champagne lends itself to multiple gastronomic pairings thanks to its dry and mineral profile. It is perfect as a refined aperitif, but also as an accompaniment to seafood dishes and delicate preparations. Ideal with:- Raw fish and tartare of amberjack or salmon
- Oysters and seafood
- Beef or veal carpaccio with Parmesan shavings
- Fresh or lightly aged cheeses
- Flavorful vegetarian dishes, such as lemon and thyme risotto
Storage and Aging: How to store Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru AOC 'Chêne la Butte' 2017 - Vadin-Plateau
To best preserve the qualities of this Champagne, storage plays a fundamental role. Here are some simple rules:- Temperature: Keep the bottle at a constant temperature between 10 and 12 °C (50-54 °F).
- Light: Avoid direct exposure to light, especially sunlight, to prevent aromatic alterations.
- Position: Store the bottle horizontally so that the cork remains moist and ensures a perfect seal.
Vadin-Plateau
The history of the Vadin-Plateau winery Vadin-Plateau is a winery that skillfully blends tradition, heritage, and innovation. For generations, this historic wine estate has been synonymous with quality and passion, perpetuating traditional techniques that evolve over time to embrace new methodolo...
How to open and best serve Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru AOC 'Chêne la Butte' 2017 - Vadin-Plateau
1. Bottle placement
Before opening the Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru AOC 'Chêne la Butte' 2017 - Vadin-Plateau, ensure that the bottle has been stored horizontally in a cool, dark place. Approximately one hour before serving, place it in an ice bucket with water to gradually bring it to the ideal temperature. Avoid abrupt movements or shaking, in order to maintain the fineness of the bubbles.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The optimal serving temperature for this Champagne is between 8°C and 10°C. At this temperature, the aromatic bouquet, dominated by notes of citrus, white flowers, and the typical minerality of Premier Cru Chardonnay, expresses itself best, while also maintaining its freshness and elegance.
3. Opening the bottle
To open the bottle correctly:
- Remove the foil cap and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on top of the cork.
- Hold the bottle at approximately a 45° angle and firmly grasp the cork and neck.
- Slowly rotate the bottle (not the cork) until you hear the typical sigh of carbon dioxide, avoiding too loud a sound which would dissipate some of the perlage.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, pour a small amount into the glass to check the appearance and aroma. The Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru AOC 'Chêne la Butte' 2017 - Vadin-Plateau should have a light golden color with green reflections and a fine, persistent perlage. On the nose, you will recognize hints of white fruit, citrus, and chalky notes. If everything is balanced and lively, you can proceed with the full serving.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Although decanting is not typical for Champagnes, in an aged wine like the 2017 'Chêne la Butte' it can be useful to enhance the complex aromas. Slowly pour the contents into a specific decanter for sparkling wines, allowing the wine to rest for 10-15 minutes. This brief oxygenation time helps to open up the aroma and soften any reductive notes.
6. Serving
Use tulip-shaped glasses, which allow for the right balance between aroma development and perlage preservation. Pour slowly along the inside wall of the glass to preserve the fineness of the bubbles. Serve a moderate amount to allow the wine to maintain the correct temperature during tasting.
7. Storage after opening
If you do not finish the bottle, use a hermetic Champagne stopper and place it in the refrigerator. Under these conditions, the wine will retain its characteristics for approximately 24 hours. After this time, the perlage will tend to diminish, but the aromatic profile will still remain pleasant and interesting to discover.