Champagne Vouette et Sorbée Blanc d'Argile Blanc de Blancs NV offers a rare expression of Chardonnay from the Kimmeridgian limestone-rich soils of the Biaunes lieu-dit in the Côte des Bar. This cold, west-facing vineyard is notable for its wild planting method, where vines were cultivated without soil preparation amidst native vegetation—a bold approach that enhances the wine’s natural minerality and depth.

Planted in 2000 with mass-selection cuttings from esteemed producers Anselme Selosse and Vincent Dauvissat, the Chardonnay grapes yield an exceptionally low 15 to 20 hectoliters per hectare. This limited yield is a crucial factor contributing to the wine’s remarkable concentration and mineral intensity.

The base vintage is 2020, with disgorgement scheduled for October 2024, allowing the wine to develop complexity through roughly 15 to 18 months of bottle aging on lees. Indigenous yeasts ferment the wine in used 500- and 600-litre barrels, complemented by a small portion raised in traditional Georgian amphorae crafted by the last family specializing in this unique bulb-shaped vessel. This artisanal process preserves the purity and expression of terroir while adding subtle textural nuances.

Antonio Galloni has praised this cuvée as “one of the most beautiful and distinctive wines in Champagne,” highlighting its unique character within a region predominantly known for Pinot Noir. The inclusion of fruit from the Fonnet vineyard and Vouette’s own Chardonnay replanting further enriches the blend, delivering a refined balance of vibrant acidity, chalky minerality, and elegant fruit notes.

Perfect for those seeking a Champagne that embodies artisan craftsmanship and terroir-driven excellence, this Blanc de Blancs NV stands out for its purity, finesse, and singular expression of the Côte des Bar’s hidden potential.