What wine is Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut 'Cuvée 3A' - De Sousa

The Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut 'Cuvée 3A' - De Sousa is one of the most representative labels of the renowned Maison De Sousa, a historic family-run estate located in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. This Champagne is born from a balanced blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, carefully selected from three Grand Cru villages – Avize, Aÿ, and Ambonnay – hence the name “3A”. The wine is produced using the traditional Méthode Champenoise, a process that involves a second fermentation in the bottle and a long aging on the lees, elements that give the cuvée finesse, personality, and an elegant and persistent effervescence.

Vintage Details

Each vintage of Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut 'Cuvée 3A' - De Sousa reflects the balance between the mineral character of Chardonnay from Avize and the structure of Pinot Noir from Aÿ and Ambonnay. The climatic conditions of the Côte des Blancs, characterized by significant temperature fluctuations and optimal vineyard exposure, promote a slow and harmonious ripening of the grapes, enhancing complex aromas and vibrant acidity.

Winemaking and Aging

Winemaking follows the principles of the traditional method, with primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks and subsequent secondary fermentation in the bottle, which creates the natural bubbles. The wine ages for about 5 years on its lees, enriching itself in complexity and creaminess. The Extra Brut dosage, less than 6 grams of sugar per liter, maintains freshness and balance, enhancing the purity of the fruit and the mineral precision typical of the Grand Cru terroir.

Tasting Notes

Color

In the glass, Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut 'Cuvée 3A' - De Sousa presents a brilliant golden yellow with luminous reflections. The bubbles are fine, regular, and persistent, a sign of long maturation and excellent perlage quality.

Nose

On the nose, it expresses an elegant and complex bouquet, blending aromas of candied citrus, dried fruit, and toasted bread, with delicate floral notes and mineral hints. The aromatic profile recalls the purity of Chardonnay and the structure of Pinot Noir, in a refined balance.

Palate

On the palate, it is lively, savory, and of great harmony. The entry is fresh and precise, followed by a creamy texture and a long gustatory persistence that enhances the minerality of Avize and the power of the Aÿ and Ambonnay crus. The finish is crisp and dry, with a pleasant sensation of purity and tension.

Food Pairings for Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut 'Cuvée 3A' - De Sousa

This Champagne is extremely versatile at the table. Its structure and the finesse of its bubbles make it ideal for accompanying:

• seafood crudités and oysters
• fish carpaccio and tuna tartare
• crustacean-based dishes, such as lobster or scampi
• fresh and medium-aged cheeses

Also perfect as a meditation glass, Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut 'Cuvée 3A' - De Sousa offers authentic emotions with every sip.

Storage and Aging

How to store Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut 'Cuvée 3A' - De Sousa is crucial to maintaining its quality over time. This Champagne, already extraordinary upon release, can evolve further for several years, developing more complex and enveloping notes.

• Temperature: between 10 and 12°C, constant and without thermal shocks.
• Light: store in a dark place or cellar, away from direct light sources that could alter the taste.
• Bottle position: horizontally, with the cork always in contact with the wine, to preserve its hermetic seal.

Proper storage allows Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut 'Cuvée 3A' - De Sousa to fully express its evolutionary potential, offering an increasingly rich and refined tasting experience over time.