What kind of wine is Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Cuvée 82/16 Solera' - Vazart-Coquart

The Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Cuvée 82/16 Solera' - Vazart-Coquart represents one of the most authentic expressions of the Côte des Blancs, an area renowned for its fresh and elegant Chardonnays. The Maison Vazart-Coquart, a historic family business located in the heart of Chouilly, is recognized for producing champagnes that maximize the Grand Cru terroir and sustainable viticulture practices. This Blanc de Blancs is made exclusively from Grand Cru Chardonnay grapes from their own vineyards, produced using the traditional méthode champenoise, i.e., secondary fermentation in the bottle which gives the wine its finesse and complexity. The name "Cuvée 82/16 Solera" refers to the original blend started in 1982 and continuously enriched over time: a unique project that combines memory and innovation, giving life to a distinctive Champagne rich in nuances.

Vintage details

The youngest part of the cuvée comes from the 2016 vintage, characterized by a balanced climate with moderate temperatures and excellent grape ripening. The vintage yielded fruits with a clear aromatic profile and a marked natural acidity, perfect for ensuring freshness and longevity in the final wine. The Solera base, started in 1982, acts as a “liquid memory” of previous harvests: each year a portion is added to the blend, maintaining the complexity and stylistic continuity typical of the house.

Winemaking and aging

Winemaking follows the classic champenoise method: fermentation in steel tanks to preserve the purity of the fruit, blending 80% of the Solera blend with 20% of wines from the 2016 vintage, followed by aging on the lees for over 5 years. The dosage is extremely low, of the Extra Brut type (less than 6 g/l of residual sugars): a choice that highlights the tension, minerality, and authenticity of the Grand Cru Chardonnay.

Tasting notes

Color

Visually, the Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Cuvée 82/16 Solera' - Vazart-Coquart presents a brilliant straw yellow, with golden reflections and fine bubbles. The bubbles are minute and persistent, a distinctive sign of long maturation on the lees.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and refined, with hints of ripe fruit, citrus zest, and white flowers, followed by elegant notes of almond, bread crust, and flint. The Solera base adds aromatic complexity, giving an evolved profile yet always balanced by the typical freshness of Chardonnay.

Taste

On the palate, it is enveloping and taut, with a marked verticality and a fine structure. The effervescence is creamy, the savoriness vibrant, and the finish long, with an aftertaste that recalls the chalky minerality of the Chouilly soils.

What dishes to pair with Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Cuvée 82/16 Solera' - Vazart-Coquart

Versatile and refined, this Champagne is ideal from aperitifs to seafood main courses. Perfect with:

• Raw fish, oysters, and tuna tartare
• Scampi carpaccio or seared scallops
• Citrus or seafood risotto
• Fresh soft cheeses such as brie or delicate goat cheeses

Also excellent as a meditative glass, to be sipped slowly to appreciate its complexity and balance.

Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Cuvée 82/16 Solera' - Vazart-Coquart

To maintain the quality of this Champagne, it is important to store it correctly:

• Temperature: constant between 10°C and 12°C, avoiding sudden temperature changes
• Light: store away from light sources or direct sunlight
• Bottle position: preferably horizontal, so that the cork remains moist and ensures an airtight seal

If properly stored, the Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Cuvée 82/16 Solera' - Vazart-Coquart can evolve for several years, developing further honeyed and toasted notes that enrich its sensory profile.