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The vines (Chardonnay) were planted on the Heurtebise plot in 1972, 1985, 1986 and 2010. Exposure is a solar direct-south, but the strong winds (Heurtebise translates as 'windfall') that tear through this place mean there's always ample freshness to be found. The soil composition is Thanetian sands mixed with clay on sandstone, and the area is prone to fluctuations covering both water stress and retention. It's one of Alexandre's most variable sites overall, one that has very different requirements depending on the season.
Likewise, once off the vine, the wines also tend to take on greater influence from any intervention in the cellar, particularly aging in oak. Crystalline minerality and mouth-watering tension are always evident from this site. Disgorgement is just four grams per litre. Last year, Galloni wrote, "Over the last few years, Heurtebise has become one of the most coveted grower Champagnes, its small production disappearing quietly in the blink of an eye." Enough said?