What kind of wine is Champagne Extra Brut “Fleur de Craie” 2020 - Barrat-Masson

Champagne Extra Brut “Fleur de Craie” 2020 - Barrat-Masson is a refined Blanc de Blancs produced entirely from Chardonnay grapes grown on the chalky soils of Villenauxe-la-Grande, in the heart of the Côte de Sézanne. The Maison Barrat-Masson, young but already considered among the most promising artisanal realities of Champagne, works organically and with great respect for the territory. This wine is made using the traditional Champenoise method (or classic method), which involves a second fermentation in the bottle and a long aging on the lees: fundamental processes to develop aromatic complexity and fine, persistent bubbles.

Vintage Details

The 2020 vintage was characterized by a balanced climate, with a warm but not excessive summer and well-distributed rainfall. The Chardonnay grapes reached perfect maturity, guaranteeing clean aromas, vibrant acidity, and great aromatic precision. The result is a fresh yet profound Champagne, in which the mineral component typical of chalky soils elegantly emerges.

Vinification and Aging

Champagne Extra Brut “Fleur de Craie” 2020 - Barrat-Masson is produced with fermentation divided between stainless steel (approximately 80%) and oak barriques (20%), a choice that allows for balancing freshness and roundness. After the secondary fermentation, the wine ages on its lees for at least 30 months, gaining structure and complexity. The Extra Brut dosage (very low residual sugar) enhances the purity of Chardonnay and offers a dry and vibrant taste.

Tasting Notes

Champagne Extra Brut “Fleur de Craie” 2020 - Barrat-Masson stands out for its elegance and precision, with subtle and persistent bubbles that enhance a refined sensory profile.

Color

Bright straw yellow with golden reflections. The perlage is very fine and continuous, a sign of long maturation on the lees.

Nose

The nose reveals aromas of fresh citrus, green apple, and white flowers, accompanied by light notes of bread crust and toasted almond, resulting from prolonged contact with the yeasts.

Palate

On the palate, it is taut and mineral, with a balance between vibrant acidity and soft creaminess. The finish is long, clean, and savory, with fruity and chalky notes that invite another sip.

Food Pairings for Champagne Extra Brut “Fleur de Craie” 2020 - Barrat-Masson

This Champagne is versatile but full of character. Its freshness and finesse make it perfect as an aperitif and even better with food. Ideal with:

• raw fish and seafood carpaccios,
• oysters and seafood,
• tuna or salmon tartare,
• delicate poultry or veal dishes,
• fresh soft cheeses.

Its minerality and naturally low sweetness also pair very well with vegetarian cuisine and dishes based on seasonal vegetables.

Storage and Aging – how to store Champagne Extra Brut “Fleur de Craie” 2020 - Barrat-Masson

To preserve the aromatic and gustatory qualities of this Champagne, it is important to store it correctly:

• Temperature: between 10 and 12°C constantly, avoiding thermal shocks.
• Light: store in a dark place, away from direct light which could alter its color and aroma.
• Position: keep bottles lying down so that the cork remains in contact with the wine and maintains its elasticity.

If well-preserved, Champagne Extra Brut “Fleur de Craie” 2020 - Barrat-Masson can evolve further for several years in the bottle, offering more complex notes and an even more enveloping texture over time.