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75cl
Champagne Francoise Bedel et Fils L'Ame de la Terre Extra Brut 2008
Vendor code : 1343
The Marne Valley is renowned for its high-quality Pinot Meunier, which forms the backbone of Françoise and Vincent Bedel's wines. Their vineyard plantings consist primarily of Pinot Meunier, with smaller proportions of Chardonnay (13%) and Pinot Noir (9%). Patience is central to their winemaking philosophy, with many of their Champagnes spending over six years on lees—often much longer. The terroir is characterized by clay soils mixed with limestone and gravel. When paired with Pinot Meunier, this soil composition yields robust, weighty wines with persistent, long-lasting acidity. Champagne Françoise Bedel et Fils L'Ame de la Terre Extra Brut 2008 exemplifies this approach, having aged for an impressive 14 years on lees, resulting in a wine of exceptional character and nuance.
Color
White
Fortress
12.5%
Country
France
Region
Champagne
Producer
Champagne Francois Bedel et Fils
Vintage
2008
Not available
Champagne Françoise Bedel et Fils L'Ame de la Terre Extra Brut 2008 is a vintage cuvée that exemplifies the estate's dedication to biodynamic viticulture and the unique terroir of the Marne Valley. This cuvée consists of 50% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, and 20% Meunier, sourced from mature vineyards rooted in clay soils with a chalky limestone base. Fermentation utilizes natural yeasts and takes place in a combination of stainless steel tanks (65%) and French oak barrels (35%). This process preserves the fruit's purity while introducing complexity. The wine is aged on its lees for over 14 years, enhancing its depth and structure. A dosage of 3.45 g/L classifies it as Extra Brut. The wine offers aromas of ripe yellow fruits, accented by salinity, fresh dough, and subtle hints of brioche. The palate is vinous and complex, with a rich, powerful character balanced by refined intensity. Flavors of honey, gingerbread, and pronounced minerality culminate in a long, harmonious finish. This cuvée has earned critical acclaim, including a score of 94/100 from La Revue du Vin de France, highlighting its exceptional craftsmanship and quality.
Domaine Françoise Bedel et Fils is a family-run estate located in Crouttes-sur-Marne, a village in the Marne Valley near the edge of the Paris Basin. Established by Fernand and Marie-Louise Bedel, the Domaine entered a new chapter in 1979 when Françoise Bedel assumed leadership, followed by her son Vincent in 2003. The estate encompasses 8.4 hectares of vineyards spread across Crouttes-sur-Marne, Nanteuil-sur-Marne, Charly-sur-Marne, and Villiers-Saint-Denis, on both sides of the Marne River. Pinot Meunier is the primary grape variety, making up 78% of the plantings, with smaller portions of Chardonnay (13%) and Pinot Noir (9%). Certified biodynamic since 1998, the Domaine emphasizes sustainable and natural practices. Grapes are harvested at full maturity, and the wines are aged for a minimum of 36 months in the cellar. Known for producing Extra-Brut cuvées, the wines are characterized by their purity, structure, and occasionally subtle oxidative nuances. Though less well-known among the wider public, Domaine Françoise Bedel is a hidden gem for Champagne enthusiasts seeking distinctive and expressive wines.
Reviews from critics
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