What kind of wine is Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2018 - Benoît Lahaye

Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2018 - Benoît Lahaye is a refined sparkling wine produced in the prestigious area of Bouzy, in the heart of the Montagne de Reims. This Champagne is made from grapes grown in Grand Cru classified vineyards, cultivated with organic and biodynamic practices, fully respecting the natural balance of the Champagne terroir.

The Benoît Lahaye house is a small family-run reality that stands out among independent Champagne producers for its attention to sustainability and its artisanal approach at every stage of winemaking. In keeping with the tradition of the Méthode Champenoise, secondary fermentation takes place directly in the bottle, giving the wine its celebrated finesse and the aromatic complexity that distinguishes it.

Vintage Details

The 2018 vintage is remembered in Champagne for its ideal climatic conditions. After a mild and regular spring, the warm and sunny summer favored perfect grape ripening, with an extraordinary balance between sugars and acidity. The result was a vintage with a full and vibrant character, capable of expressing all the richness of the Bouzy terroir.

Winemaking and Aging

Produced according to the classic method, also known as méthode champenoise, this Champagne is the result of meticulous winemaking. Fermentation takes place in wood, and the wine ages on its lees for over 36 months, a period that allows it to develop elegance and complexity. The reduced dosage, typical of the Extra-Brut style, enhances the purity of the fruit and minerality, without overpowering its natural freshness and finesse.

Tasting Notes

Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2018 - Benoît Lahaye is a seductive wine with great personality, captivating from the first glance and revealing its progressive intensity on the nose and palate.

Color

Visually, it presents a brilliant golden yellow, traversed by very fine and persistent bubbles that testify to a long aging on lees and a perfect secondary fermentation.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and complex, with notes of yellow-fleshed fruit, candied citrus, and floral hints. Nuances of crusty bread and dried fruit emerge, joined by delicate mineral undertones and a slight toastiness, a distinctive sign of long evolution.

Palate

On the palate, it is dry and profound, with a lively freshness balanced by a creamy texture. The fineness of its bubbles amplifies the sensation of elegance, leading to a long and savory finish with remarkable aromatic persistence.

Food Pairings for Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2018 - Benoît Lahaye

Thanks to its balance and expressive purity, this Champagne lends itself to many gastronomic pairings. Perfect as a sophisticated aperitif, it also excels at the table with refined dishes.

• Raw fish appetizers, such as tuna tartare or seafood carpaccio
• Shellfish and oysters
• White meat dishes, such as roasted chicken or veal in a light sauce
• Lightly aged soft cheeses

Its structure and elegance also make it an excellent meditation wine, to be savored slowly to grasp every nuance.

Storage and Aging: How to Store Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2018 - Benoît Lahaye

To maintain the quality of Champagne, it is essential to follow some simple storage rules:

• Temperature: Stable between 10 and 12°C, avoiding temperature fluctuations that can compromise freshness.
• Light: Store in a dark place, away from direct light sources and heat.
• Position: The bottle should be kept horizontally, so that the cork always remains in contact with the wine and maintains its elasticity.

In the cellar, this vintage can evolve for several years, developing complexity and elegant nuances that will further enrich its taste profile.