𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧.
Spring has officially arrived, you can feel glorious heat from the sun with the lingering late day chill in the air. That doesn’t stop me from enjoying champagne outdoors.
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝 – 𝐋𝐚 𝐂𝐥é 𝐃𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟒
Michelle and Laurent Bénard-Pitois have been organically farming their 3 hectares for decades in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, a small commune in the Marne. Le Clé des Arpents 2014 is a blend of small parcels of predominantly Meunier (66%) with the equal balance of Pinot Noir & Chardonnay with a small amount of reserve wine. Natural yeast, zero sulfites and matured in oak barrels, disgorged May 2019.
7,500 bottles, dosage 2g/L
Pours a deep golden in the glass with fine lively bubbles. Intoxicating aromas of bruised apple and Bosc pear, brioche, mushroom, dried honeysuckle, hay, burnt honey, citrus peel and salted caramel lures you further into the glass. The first sip is a burst of golden sunshine, the chalky limestone is evident, the tangy lemon custard, savory sherry-like umami notes lead into a zingy ginger and clove hum, brioche and sweet cream ending toasted hazelnut and toffee. Undertow of crisp freshness and tangy acidity balanced with the rich complexity. A style that is oh so addictive. Sunshine and exquisite bubbles, need I say more?