Stéphane Coquillette, 'Les Clés' Blanc de Noirs, Brut, Grand Cru, Äy Champagne, France, NV

Overview of the Wine
Stéphane Coquillette is a fourth-generation winemaker in Champagne. His father, Christian, has been running the Saint Chamant Champagne house since 1950, and he lovingly sent his son out to start his own estate when Stéphane was 25. Though mentored by his father, Stéphane developed a very different style of expression at his own house, creating leaner, drier Champagnes, primarily from Chouilly (Grand Cru), Cuis (1er Cru 99%) for Chardonnay, and d'Aÿ (Grand Cru) and Mareuil/Aÿ (1er Cru 99%) for Pinot Noir. Meticulously committed to organic practices, Stéphane avoids herbicides at all costs. Everything is done by hand, including trellising and pruning, which helps avoid disease and allows for a healthy crop. With more than 10 different parcels, he produces several single-vintage and single-vineyard Champagnes - a rarity in this region - and all his wines are small production. Stéphane Coquillette Champagnes are characteristically precise, fresh and lively.

Winemaker
Stéphane Coquillette

Grape / Blend
Pinot Noir

Origin
Champagne, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The grapes are coming from Ay in a warmer, richer, growing environment within close proximity to the River Marne. This Champagne is oozing with fruit and richness and it is rounder than many sparkling wines in its category. The fruit from the Pinot Noir is visable in the glass, but it still has the tart cherry characteristics that compliment the acidity. This only spends time in stainless steel and the freshness and crispness are protected by the steel container.

92 Points - Wine Advocate
A graceful Champagne, this bursts with ripe blackberry and black cherry fruit, layered with mouthwatering acidity and accents of spice box, candied lemon zest, chalk and almond biscotti that ride the creamy mousse. A crowd-pleaser. Drink now through 2021. 7,000 cases made, 588 cases imported.

91 Points - Wine Spectator
A graceful Champagne, this bursts with ripe blackberry and black cherry fruit, layered with mouthwatering acidity and accents of spice box, candied lemon zest, chalk and almond biscotti that ride the creamy mousse. A crowd-pleaser. Drink now through 2021. 7,000 cases made, 588 cases imported.

Product Size: 750ml