What kind of wine is Champagne Extra Brut “À Travers Celles” 2020 - Etienne Sandrin

Champagne Extra Brut “À Travers Celles” 2020 - Etienne Sandrin is a refined label produced by the small Maison Etienne Sandrin, located in the heart of the Côte des Bar, in Celles-sur-Ource. The name itself refers to the plots that run through the village, between 176 and 230 meters above sea level, characterized by clay and limestone soils that give the wine pronounced freshness and vibrant minerality. Made according to the traditional Champenoise method (or classic method), this Champagne is born from a second fermentation in the bottle, which gives it very fine and persistent bubbles, a distinctive sign of the best artisan cuvées in the region.

Vintage details

The 2020 vintage was characterized by balanced weather conditions: warm but not excessive summers and excellent temperature excursions between day and night. These conditions favored perfect grape ripening and a particularly clear aromatic profile, with a harmonious combination of freshness and complexity. The result is a Champagne with an authentic character, reflecting the pure expression of the Celles-sur-Ource terroir.

Winemaking and aging

Winemaking takes place with full respect for Etienne Sandrin's production philosophy, which is based on essentiality and sustainability. The grapes are gently pressed, and the must ferments spontaneously thanks to indigenous yeasts, which are naturally present on the grapes and in the cellar. Malolactic fermentation – a process that transforms malic acid into lactic acid, making the wine softer – occurs spontaneously. The wine is neither fined nor filtered and ages on its lees for at least 36 months before disgorgement. The absence of dosage (Extra Brut) allows the authentic personality of the Champagne to emerge, pure and without sugar additives.

Tasting notes

Color

It presents itself with a brilliant golden yellow crossed by very fine and persistent bubbles, a sign of long aging on the lees and high production quality.

Nose

The bouquet is elegant and dynamic: it opens with hints of bread crust, white flowers, and ripe citrus fruits, followed by mineral notes and slight nuances of dried fruit. The overall impression is one of great freshness and purity.

Taste

On the palate, it is taut and vertical, with a pleasant combination of acidity and structure. The sip expresses citrus, green apple, and slight saline notes, followed by a long and vibrant persistence. The very fine bubbles support the wine until the clean and savory finish.

Food pairings for Champagne Extra Brut “À Travers Celles” 2020 - Etienne Sandrin

This Extra Brut Champagne is extremely versatile at the table. Ideal as an aperitif, it is best enjoyed paired with dishes that enhance its freshness and finesse:

• raw seafood and fish tartare
• oysters, tuna or salmon carpaccio
• fresh and goat cheeses
• vegetarian dishes such as asparagus or herb risottos

Its structure and minerality also make it excellent for accompanying more complex poultry or shellfish dishes.

Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Extra Brut “À Travers Celles” 2020 - Etienne Sandrin

To maintain the qualities of this Champagne, it is important to store it under optimal conditions:

• Temperature: between 10 and 12°C, constant, avoiding thermal shocks.
• Light: keep the bottle in a dark or semi-dark place, away from direct light sources.
• Position: the bottle should be stored horizontally, so that the cork remains moist and maintains an airtight seal.

If stored correctly, Champagne Extra Brut “À Travers Celles” 2020 can evolve magnificently for several years, developing greater complexity and aromatic depth without losing its natural vivacity.