What kind of wine is Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Prisme.18' - Guiborat

Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Prisme.18' - Guiborat is one of the most authentic expressions of Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, the cradle of the finest Blanc de Blancs Champagnes. It is made from four parcels of Grand Cru vineyards, cultivated with vines over thirty years old, which give great complexity and depth to the wine. Guiborat, a family-run business for generations, is today recognized for an approach that combines tradition and technical precision. This Champagne is produced using the Champenoise method – also known as méthode traditionnelle – which involves a second fermentation in the bottle and long aging on the lees, responsible for its fine and persistent effervescence.

Vintage details

The number "18" on the label refers to the dominant vintage in the cuvée, the 2018 harvest, characterized by a balanced climate and extraordinarily ripe grapes, capable of combining structure and freshness. Although not a vintage in the strict sense, 'Prisme.18' faithfully reflects the vintage's imprint, with an aromatic concentration and gustatory precision that make it one of the best of the decade.

Winemaking and aging

Fermentation takes place predominantly in steel (about 94%), with a small part in 400-liter oak barrels (6%), which contributes to giving complexity and broader nuances to the bouquet. Guiborat chooses not to carry out malolactic fermentation, thus maintaining the freshness and acidic tension typical of Côte des Blancs Chardonnay. The second fermentation in the bottle – a key step in the Champenoise method – is followed by slow aging on the lees for over 54 months. The dosage is "Extra Brut", meaning with minimal residual sugar (less than 6 g/l), an element that enhances the purity and minerality of the wine.

Tasting notes

Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Prisme.18' - Guiborat stands out for its elegance, intensity, and sensory precision, elements that clearly emerge in every phase of the tasting.

Color

Visually, it presents a brilliant straw yellow with golden reflections, enlivened by very fine and regular bubbles, a sign of long maturation and impeccable cellar work.

Nose

The bouquet opens with notes of candied citrus, white flowers, and mineral nuances, followed by hints of dried fruit and slight toasting from contact with the lees. The overall impression is refined and deep, with continuous evolution in the glass.

Palate

On the palate, it is taut and vibrant, with a marked freshness that accompanies a creamy and enveloping structure. The bubbles are very fine and well integrated, while the finish is long and savory, with hints of almond and chalk. The gustatory persistence is broad, confirming an impeccable balance between acidity and fruit ripeness.

Food pairings for Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Prisme.18' - Guiborat

This Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne is ideal for accompanying elegant and refined dishes, but also perfect as a classy aperitif. It pairs particularly well with:

• raw seafood and oysters;
• fish tartare or carpaccio of langoustines and sea bass;
• dishes based on crustaceans and steamed white fish;
• fresh soft cheeses, such as brie or delicate goat cheese.

Its acidic tension and freshness also make it an excellent companion for savory or fatty dishes, capable of balancing and cleansing the palate.

Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Prisme.18' - Guiborat

To best preserve the aromatic qualities and the finesse of the perlage, Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 'Prisme.18' - Guiborat should be stored in a cool place, with a constant temperature of around 10-12°C. It is important to avoid sudden temperature changes and exposure to direct light, which is detrimental to the wine's balance. Store the bottle horizontally, so that the cork remains in contact with the wine, staying moist and ensuring a perfect seal. If well stored, it can evolve splendidly for several years, developing more complex aromas and increasingly enveloping nuances.