What kind of wine is Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée des Caudalies' - De Sousa (boxed)

The Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée des Caudalies' - De Sousa (boxed) represents one of the most authentic and refined expressions of the De Sousa house, a historic family business in the Côte des Blancs. It is a Champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes from Grand Cru classified vineyards, located in the most prestigious villages of the Avize, Cramant and Oger regions. What makes this cuvée special is the skillful application of the Champagne method — the traditional method of secondary fermentation in the bottle, which gives the wine finesse and complexity through long contact with the lees. The result is a Blanc de Blancs capable of combining aromatic purity, elegance, and extraordinary persistence.

Vintage Details

The harvest for the Cuvée des Caudalies is rigorously selected in the best vintages, when Chardonnay fully expresses its aromatic potential and natural freshness. The vines, with an average age of over 50 years, root in chalky soils that give the grapes a distinct minerality. Balanced climatic conditions, with sunny days and cool nights, favor slow maturation, ensuring grapes rich in aromas and perfectly balanced.

Winemaking and Aging

Winemaking is carried out with extreme care: the must is fermented and then aged 100% in oak barrels, a choice that enriches the wine with tone, structure, and aromatic complexity. This is followed by the secondary fermentation according to the classic method, with a long period on the lees that can exceed 5 years. The Extra Brut dosage, equal to a few grams of sugar per liter, allows the purity of the Chardonnay and the authentic character of the Grand Cru terroir to emerge.

Tasting Notes

Color

Visually, the Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée des Caudalies' - De Sousa presents a brilliant golden yellow, with green reflections and a fine and persistent bubble that anticipates elegance and vivacity.

Nose

The bouquet is intense and refined, with notes of ripe citrus, white flowers, and crusty bread, along with hints of dried fruit and delicate nuances of vanilla and hazelnut, a result of aging in wood and long refinement.

Palate

On the palate, it is full, balanced, and decisive. The typical freshness of Chardonnay blends with the creaminess of the bubbles, creating a harmonious and long sip. The finish is mineral, elegant, and of great gustatory persistence, leaving a sensation of cleanliness and refinement in the mouth.

Pairings for Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée des Caudalies' - De Sousa (boxed)

This Champagne is perfect as an important aperitif, but it expresses its best when paired with dishes that enhance its structure and freshness. Here are some suggestions:

• Oysters, fish carpaccio, and raw seafood
• Salmon or tuna tartare with citrus
• Crustacean dishes, such as lobster or scampi
• Delicate seafood risottos
• Aged soft cheeses

Its elegance also makes it an excellent companion for a fish dinner or a high-class toast.

Storage and Aging: How to store Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée des Caudalies' - De Sousa (boxed)

To preserve the qualities of this Champagne, it is important to follow some simple storage rules:

• Temperature: constant between 10 and 12°C, avoiding strong temperature fluctuations.
• Light: store in a dark place, away from direct light sources that could alter the aroma.
• Position: the bottle should be kept horizontally, so that the cork remains moist and ensures a perfect seal.

With these precautions, the Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée des Caudalies' - De Sousa can evolve in the bottle for several years, gaining complexity, softness, and even more fascinating nuances.