What kind of wine is Champagne Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru 'L'Amateur' - David Léclapart?

Champagne Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru 'L'Amateur' by David Léclapart is an artisan wine, the result of a natural approach that respects the Champenoise tradition. Produced entirely from Chardonnay grapes grown in the Premier Cru vineyards of Trépail, in the Montagne de Reims, this champagne represents the purity and transparency of Léclapart's style.

David Léclapart's house, founded in the heart of Champagne, stands out for its biodynamic vinification, limited use of dosage, and the choice of Extra-Brut, a type with very low sugar content that enhances the authenticity of the terroir. The secondary fermentation takes place according to the Champenoise method (or classic method), which involves a second fermentation in the bottle to obtain fine and persistent bubbles, a synonym for elegance.

Vintage details

Each vintage of Champagne 'L'Amateur' tells the story of its climate. The grapes come from a single harvest, with slight variations between vintages. Recent vintages have been characterized by balanced summers, with warm days and cool nights, ideal for maintaining the natural acidity of Chardonnay and ensuring a vivid and harmonious aromatic profile.

Vinification and aging

Vinification follows principles of minimal intervention. The must ferments spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel, without the use of chemical additives. This is followed by aging on the lees in the bottle for about 20 months, the time necessary to develop complexity and creaminess. The final dosage is minimal – typical of an Extra-Brut champagne – in order to maintain the purest expression of the fruit and the territory.

Tasting notes

Color

In the glass, it presents a bright straw yellow with golden reflections. The bubbles are fine and continuous, an indication of long aging on the lees and great care in processing.

Nose

The bouquet is elegant and vertical. Notes of green apple, ripe citrus, and white flowers are recognized, with nuances of yeast, freshly baked bread, and slight mineral traces that recall the chalkiness of the Trépail soil. With aeration, hints of honey and dried fruit emerge.

Taste

On the palate, it is precise and taut, characterized by vibrant freshness and a distinct minerality. The structure is lean but enveloping, supported by fine, creamy bubbles. The finish is long and saline, with returns of citrus and almond.

Food pairings for Champagne Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru 'L'Amateur' - David Léclapart

This champagne is perfect for those who love simple but refined pairings. Its purity and freshness make it ideal as an aperitif, but also at the table with seafood or delicate white meats.

• Shellfish and fish tartare
• Seafood salads with citrus or avocado
• Seafood or saffron risotto
• Fillet of sole or baked sea bream
• Fresh or goat cheeses

Thanks to its minerality, it also adapts well to vegetarian dishes based on crunchy vegetables or light creams.

Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru 'L'Amateur' - David Léclapart

To best store this champagne, it is important to follow some simple but essential rules:

• Temperature: keep the bottle between 10°C and 12°C.
• Light: avoid direct exposure to sunlight or heat sources.
• Position: store the bottle horizontally, so that the cork remains moist and maintains its seal.

In a cool, dark environment with constant humidity, Champagne Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru 'L'Amateur' - David Léclapart can evolve for 3-5 years, developing softer and more complex tones. However, thanks to its fresh and immediate style, it is also an excellent choice to drink young to appreciate its vivacity and purity.