Saint-Chamant - Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Intégral 2010 750ml 12% abv

Charmingly mustached and quite dapper, octogenarian Christian specializes primarily in Blanc de Blancs with more than 28 acres of Chardonnay vineyards in Grand Cru Chouilly (chalk soils, organically farmed). Saint-Chamant only disgorges his bottlings upon being ordered (very rare even in the labor-intensive world of Champagne). Each bottle is hand labelled as well.

Founded in 1930 by Pierre and Hélène Coquillette intended to be a more premier label counterpart to their Pierre Coquillette label. No one is quite sure when they first started bottling their own wines, but we do know that they were already showing the Pierre labeled wines at a fair in 1928 in Paris. In 1950 the Saint-Chamant estate was taken over by Pierre & Hélène’s son, Christian. Although the vast majority of their vines are located in Chouilly, the estate itself is based just to the west in Épernay, It is a somewhat unassuming looking estate from the outside but it houses over a mile-long collection of cellars that date back 500+ years.

A stellar year and the excellent 2010 vintage, aromatic brioche saline zesty nose, this wine is heady with old-time richness, racy, high toned with the distinct chalky goodness of Côte des Blancs Chardonnay, creme brulee, Jerez-esque nutty notes and extremely fine bubbles. sexy and classic Blanc de Blanc.

region: champagne, france

varietal: 100% chardonnay

style: champagne

farming & cellar: organic, sustainable, hand harvested, extended aging on the lees in bottle (disgorged upon order), base wine made in steel (no oak)

pairing:  the commodore hot breast sandwich, oysters , omelets, or finish your meal with these elegant bubbles and a classic French dessert, île flottante, Floating Island drizzled with honey