75cl
Champagne Chartogne-Taillet 'Chemin de Reims' Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
Vendor code : 409
Chartogne-Taillet, located in Montagne-de-Reims in the village of Merfy, traces its history back to the 15th century and has remained under family management to this day. The Merfy vineyards are divided into 13 separate plots, which consist of a combination of clay and sandy soils. Alexandre Chartogne-Taillet employs organic farming methods. The grapes are harvested by hand, and after pressing and fermentation with natural yeasts, the wines are aged for 8 to 18 months in stainless steel tanks, oak barrels, or concrete eggs. These wines are bottled without filtration.
Color
White
Fortress
13%
Country
France
Region
Champagne
Grape
Chardonnay
Producer
Champagne Chartogne-Taillet
The lieu-dit Chemin de Reims has iron-rich soils with chunks of limestone, a warm mesoclimate, and early-ripening grapes. The vines were planted between 1980 and 1995, with additional plantings in 2011. Chemin de Reims was aged in 350- to 600-liter casks. The aroma reveals notes of citrus peel, walnut, and brioche, complemented by hints of dried flowers and fruit. On the palate, it is full-bodied, dense, and concentrated, with a muscular profile and notable depth.
Chartogne-Taillet remains the sole RM producer in the village, and under the guidance of Alexandre Chartogne, their Champagnes have become highly coveted. Alexandre’s approach in the vineyards prioritizes soil health over certifications. He strives to preserve the diversity of soil organisms, a philosophy supported by soil microbiology experts Claude and Lydia Bourguignon. No chemicals, herbicides, or insecticides are used, and half of the vineyards are ploughed by horses. While most of the work is done manually, no official certification is pursued. Sheep and chickens are utilized for fertilization, with a strong emphasis on maintaining soil health. Alexandre firmly believes that the essence of terroir can only be expressed through meticulous vineyard practices.
Reviews from critics
96/100
2 points
95-100
2
90-94
0
85-89
0
80-84
0
75-79
0
0-74
0
Vinous
The 2019 Extra-Brut Chemin de Reims is a bundle of focus and tension. I would prefer to cellar it for a few years, as it is quite tense. Chalk, crushed rocks, salt, white pepper, and mint all race across the palate. This chiseled Blanc de Blancs is terrific, a wine of tremendous substance and palate presence. This serious, contemplative Champagne is lights-out. Dosage is 4.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: January 2024. - By Antonio Galloni on March 2024.
Vinous
The 2018 Extra-Brut Chemin de Reims, 100% Chardonnay, deftly marries varietal expression with the tremendous resonance all the wines show in 2018. Citrus peel, crushed rocks, chamomile, and dried herbs are all amplified in a Blanc de Blancs that presents the more savory, earthy side of Chardonnay. Even with all its obvious textural intensity and sheer power, the 2018 remains bright and nicely lifted throughout. There is a feeling of translucence here that is beguiling. This is Montagne de Reims Chardonnay at its finest. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: February 2023. - By Antonio Galloni on November 2023.