232 Champagne AC Extra-Brut Fidèle
Vouette et Sorbée, Bertrand Gautherot

Grape:100% Pinot Noir (12% alc.)

The vines for this brilliant champagne are planted in the lieu-dit of Vouette, on a kimmeridgian limestone slope facing due south. It offers a rich gold colour, typical of low yielding pinot noir and on the palate is vinous with a zesty, mineral vitality. Given a little time in the glass, and served ideally at 12°C, it evolves constantly, revealing layer after layer of flavour. Zero dosage. Very limited quantity. For drinking now to 2013.

Technical Information
Winemaker:	Bertrand Gautherot
Location:	Buxières sur Arce
Size of domaine:	4 hectares
Grape:	100% Pinot Noir – planted in 1986.
Terroir:	Lieu dits of Biaune and Vouette – the soil here is kimmeridgian limestone with a south and south west apsect
Viticulture:	Leaves grass to grow between rows and ploughs in the spring. Bio-dynamic viticulture. To avoid compaction of soils he uses only light caterpillar tractors. Manual harvest stretched over 3 weeks. Yields have averaged less than 50 hectos per hectare.
Vinification:	Natural yeasts. Averages 10.8% alc after initial fermentation. No chaptalisation. A traditional vertical ‘coquard’ press. Juice transferred into oak via gravity rather than being pumped. Aged until Aug, i.e. for 10 months in 228ltr barrels. Buys barrels from Arnaud Ente in Meursault. Oldest are 8 yrs and buys 2 new fûts every year. 15 months sur latte. Disgorged with zero dosage in Dec/Jan.
Press:

 

qty (bottles)

exc vat: £28.50