The Rodez family has been producing champagne for generations, currently owned by the eighth generation, Eric and Martine Rodez. Based in Ambonnay, the family owns 9 hectares of Pinot Noir planted along the south and south-eastern facing slopes of the village. In total Eric Rodez cultivates 16 hectares of vineyards, divided between 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay. Eric Rodez developed his passion for blending when he was working at Krug and now blends between five to ten different vintages to create some cuvées. In 2012, Champagne Rodez received the Haute Valuer Environmentale certificate, due to the practices of organic and biodynamically farming and water management; Rodez was the first French agricultural domaine to receive the award. 95% of the wine Eric Rodez Blanc de Noirs uses go through no malolatic fermentation.

100% Chardonnay from Les Genettes Vineyard, Ambonnay south facing towards Bouzy. Vinified entirely in oak for more complexity, the vintage is made from wines that are barrel fermented, without malolactic fermentation. These single vineyard vintage cuvées are not made every year, only when it is possible to represent the terroir at its best. Eric wisely calls them "The naked truth", nothing can be hidden, a single vineyard, a single grape variety and a single vintage. 2012 was an exceptional year across Champagne, and the first vintage at Rodez benefitting from Eric and Mickael's use of oregano essential oil preventing mildew.

Weather: The 2012 weather has been hallmarked by many as very challenging but has created some stunning Champagne. Relatively low yields due to various weather conditions throughout the year. The winter months brought some frosts and hail which damaged the early stages of bud burst. August and September were very warm and this helped rescue and give the grapes a stunning maturity. Harvest began on 24th September.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Ambonnay; Les Genettes Vineyard
Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay
Vintage: 2012
Dosage: 2.2 g/l
Drink: Now to 2028

Tasting Note: The 2012 Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Genettes is showing very well, wafting from the glass with aromas of citrus oil, hazelnuts, dried white flowers and crisp yellow apples. Medium to full-bodied, vinous and pillow, it's elegant and incisive, with a lively core of nicely concentrated fruit and chalky back-end grip. - Tasted by William Kelley