Champagne Pascal Agrapart Grand Cru Avizoise Blanc de Blancs 2017 (Disg. Jun 23)

Disgorged June 2023. Avizoise is sourced from old vines of around 50 to 60 years of age, situated in the clay-rich (argilo-calcaire) Coteaux d’Avize vineyards of Les Robarts and Les Gros Yeux. The richer soils and altitude of these neighbouring sites bring more exotic fruit and roundness, says Pascal. The wine aged entirely in 600-litre demi-muid, and bottle fermentation took place under cork rather than crown seal. The 2017 spent just over five years on lees and was dosed at 3 g/L. It’s a gloriously potent Avizoise, yet one grounded in chalky, stony classicism. It’s rich and dense, yet the power is tapered with incredible stony freshness and a touch of grip. A brilliant wine.