What kind of wine is Champagne Extra Brut 'Comme Autrefois' 2007 - Françoise Bedel & Fils
The Champagne Extra Brut 'Comme Autrefois' 2007 - Françoise Bedel & Fils is a signature cuvée that reflects the biodynamic philosophy and craftsmanship of the Françoise Bedel winery, a historic family business in the Vallée de la Marne. This champagne is made from a blend of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay from vines cultivated according to natural principles, with the utmost respect for the biodiversity of the territory. Its vinification follows the Champenoise method, which is the traditional secondary fermentation in the bottle that allows for the natural formation of bubbles and a complex evolution of aromas and flavors over time.Vintage Details
The 2007 vintage in Champagne was characterized by an early spring and a cool summer, which gave balance and freshness to the grapes. The harvest, which took place earlier than average, brought healthy and ripe grapes to the cellar, ideal for producing an Extra Brut capable of combining freshness, structure, and persistence. The result is an elegant vintage, a faithful interpreter of its year and the Bedel winery's terroir.Winemaking and Aging
For the Champagne Extra Brut 'Comme Autrefois' 2007, vinification takes place according to the classic method with a long period of aging on the lees, over 10 years, which gives the wine depth and creaminess. The dosage is extremely low (Extra Brut indicates a low sugar content), so as to enhance the purity of the fruit and the salinity of the soil. Every phase of the process, from aging on the lees to manual disgorgement, is followed with care and respect for natural timings, without forcing.Tasting Notes
Color
Visually, the Champagne Extra Brut 'Comme Autrefois' 2007 - Françoise Bedel & Fils has an intense, lively, and brilliant golden yellow color. Its bubbles are fine and continuous, a sign of long maturation in the bottle and an impeccable secondary fermentation.Nose
The bouquet is broad and refined, with nuances of dried fruits like hazelnut and almond, followed by tropical notes of pineapple and papaya. To this are added hints of toasted bread and honey, typical of aging on the lees, which give it aromatic depth and a unique elegance.Palate
On the palate, it is soft and creamy, with a perfect balance between freshness and savoriness. The delicate bubbles accompany a long gustatory persistence, leaving a pleasant sensation of cleanliness and harmony. The finish is elegant, with returns of exotic fruit and toasted almond.Food Pairings for Champagne Extra Brut 'Comme Autrefois' 2007 - Françoise Bedel & Fils
This Extra Brut Champagne is extremely versatile and ideal for accompanying refined dishes as well as convivial moments. It pairs perfectly with:- Raw seafood and oysters, which enhance its mineral freshness.
- Fish carpaccios and tuna or salmon tartares.
- Delicate first courses based on shellfish or creamy risottos.
- Aged and soft cheeses.
- Roasted poultry or oriental dishes, especially with light spices.
Storage and Aging: How to store Champagne Extra Brut 'Comme Autrefois' 2007 - Françoise Bedel & Fils
To best preserve all the nuances of this vintage, it is important to store it in optimal conditions:- Temperature: stable around 10-12°C (50-54°F), avoiding sudden temperature changes.
- Light: keep the bottles in the dark, away from direct sources of light or heat that could alter the color and aromas.
- Position: store the bottles horizontally, to keep the cork moist and prevent air infiltration.
Domaine Françoise Bedel & Fils
The history of Domaine Françoise Bedel & Fils winery The Domaine Françoise Bedel & Fils is a winery that combines tradition, family heritage, and innovation with a unique approach in the wine landscape. For generations, the Bedel family has been committed to enhancing the territory, comb...
How to best open and serve Champagne Extra Brut 'Comme Autrefois' 2007 - Françoise Bedel & Fils
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening, let Champagne Extra Brut 'Comme Autrefois' 2007 - Françoise Bedel & Fils rest upright for at least 24 hours. This allows the wine's natural sediments to settle at the bottom, improving clarity for serving. Avoid shaking or abrupt movements: an aged wine like this should be handled gently to preserve its delicacy.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The optimal temperature for serving this vintage Champagne is between 10°C and 12°C. You can achieve the ideal temperature by chilling the bottle:
- For 20-25 minutes in an ice bucket with ice and water;
- Or in the refrigerator for about 3 hours, avoiding the freezer to prevent altering the internal pressure.
An excessively low temperature would compress the aromas, while too warm would accelerate oxidation.
3. Opening the bottle
Carefully remove the capsule and wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork. Tilt the bottle slightly to 45° and rotate the base, not the cork, maintaining a firm grip. Allow the internal pressure to accompany the opening with a whisper, not a pop: this will preserve the elegance of the bubbles and limit carbon dioxide dispersion.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, observe the color: it should appear bright golden with amber reflections. Bring the glass to your nose and assess any oxidative or evolutionary notes, which are normal for a 2007 Champagne. Taste a small sip to ensure the wine is sound, free from defects such as excessive oxidation or cork taint.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Although unusual for a Champagne, decanting can be recommended for this mature cuvée. Slowly pour the contents into a wide carafe or a specific sparkling wine decanter, being careful not to damage the foam. Allow it to oxygenate for 10-15 minutes at serving temperature: this will allow the secondary and tertiary aromas to fully express themselves, revealing complexities of honey, brioche, and toasted hazelnut.
6. Serving
Use tulip-shaped or slightly flared Champagne flutes: the shape enhances the perlage and concentrates the aromas. Slowly pour one-third of the glass to allow the bubbles to stabilize, then complete the pour. Serve with refined dishes such as:
- Raw seafood or oysters;
- Foie gras or aged cheeses;
- Poultry dishes or truffle dishes.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed entirely, reseal the Champagne Extra Brut 'Comme Autrefois' 2007 - Françoise Bedel & Fils with a sparkling wine stopper and store it in the refrigerator. This way, it can maintain its freshness for about 24 hours. Beyond this time, the pressure and aromas will tend to diminish, compromising the tasting experience.