Vazart-Coquart Grand Bouquet 2013

Vazart-Coquart Blanc de Blancs is an elegant blend of pure Chardonnay with a low dosage and a minimum of four years ageing on the lees. A blend of several years, the 25% reserve wines are from a perpetual reserve implemented by Jacques Vazart in 1982. Very limited quantities are produced each year, with maximum annual production at 3,000 bottles. All the grapes come from their own 11 hectare estate in Chouilly.

Weather:The year 2013 stands out for a winter where temperatures fell below the ten-year average with periods of snow and freezing. Spring persisted with cool temperatures and was marked by heavy rainfall. Flowering began in July. An extremely sunny and particularly hot summer helped the vines to offset any delay. Harvest began on October 1st for the Chardonnays. Maturity at harvest was very satisfying. The Chardonnays combined notes of white flowers with citrus. They were powerful, structured and well-rounded with excellent length.The Pinots Noirs were complex, using floral aromas with white, yellow and red fruit.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand Cru Chouilly
Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay
Ageing: 5 years on the lees
Disgorged: September 2019
Dosage: 3.5 g/l
Drink: Now to 2028

Tasting Note: A light yellow colour with a fine stream of bubbles. On the nose: aromas of fresh lemon and slight hazelnut hints. On the palate: a smooth mousse with a continued citrus fruit theme. This is an interesting Blanc de Blancs, full of light zesty lemon notes that continue throughout the finish.

Champagne Vazart-Coquart produce only single cru champagnes from their 11-hectare estate in Champagne's largest Grand Cru village, Chouilly. Being the Côte des Blancs, mainly Chardonnay is grown here, with just 4.5-hectares of Pinot Noir planted in the whole village. Only a handful of independent growers in the region can boast ownership of a Pinot Noir plot in Chouilly: and Vazart-Coquart are one of them.

Established in the 19th century, this independent grower has developed quickly into a respected producer. Current owner Jean-Pierre Vazart values eco-friendly winemaking and Vazart-Coquart were just the third producer to be awarded the highest level of environmental certification in 2012. His multiple vineyard sites, with many variations of soil and exposure, produce different wines for the domaine. Vinification is based on small tanks to capture this variation and only stainless-steel is used, producing a unique style of mineral delicacy and buttery, floral fruit: the signature of Chouilly.

Cellar Master: Jean-Pierre Vazart
Winery Location: Chouilly | Champagne, France
Champagne Region: Côte des Blancs
Annual Production (bottles): 80,000