Champagne De Sousa: The Wine Range - Part 1
Champagne De Sousa Extra-Brut Réserve
The Extra-Brut Réserve is a 100% Chardonnay blanc de blancs Champagne crafted exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards. This wine is a blend of two or three different vintages and includes a minimum of 25% reserve wine. The vines average 43 years of age and thrive in chalk-rich soils, characteristic of the renowned Grand Cru villages of Cramant, Avize, Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Chouilly.
Key Details:
Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Terroir: Grand Cru sites with chalk soils
Farming Practices: Organic and biodynamic
Vinification: Hand-picked grapes, matured in vats, with no filtration or fining
Dosage: 7 g/L
Reserve Wine: 30%
This Champagne reflects the commitment to traditional methods and environmental stewardship, as shown by the absence of chemical treatments and the biodynamic approach.
Champagne De Sousa Brut Rosé
This Brut Rosé stands out due to its composition of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay grapes are sourced from Grauves, a Premier Cru village known for its chalky soils, while the Pinot Noir originates from Aÿ, a Grand Cru village. The distinctive high proportion of Chardonnay imparts unique characteristics.
Key Details:
Grape Variety: 92% Chardonnay, 8% Pinot Noir
Terroir: Chalk soils of Grauves and Aÿ
Farming Practices: Organic and biodynamic
Vinification: Hand-picked grapes, matured entirely in vats, with no filtration or fining
Dosage: 7 g/L
Reserve Wine: 20%
This rosé underscores Champagne De Sousa’s ability to craft wines with precision and a focus on terroir expression.
Champagne De Sousa 3A
The 3A cuvée derives its name from three Grand Cru villages—Avize, Aÿ, and Ambonnay—all starting with the letter “A”. This Champagne is a blend of 50% Chardonnay from Avize and 50% Pinot Noir sourced equally from Aÿ and Ambonnay.
Avize: Known for its chalky soils and Grand Cru status, contributes finesse and minerality.
Aÿ: Combines southern exposure and diverse topography, producing structured Pinot Noir.
Ambonnay: A Grand Cru on the Montagne de Reims, lending power and depth.
Key Details:
Grape Variety: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir
Terroir: Grand Cru vineyards with chalk soils
Farming Practices: Organic and biodynamic
Vinification: Hand-picked grapes, matured 50% in vats and 50% in oak barrels
Dosage: 5 g/L
Reserve Wine: 20%
The combination of these terroirs results in a Champagne with a unique identity rooted in its origins.
Champagne De Sousa Mycorhize
The Mycorhize cuvée focuses on the health and vitality of the vineyard’s soils. By promoting mycorrhizae—the symbiotic relationship between fungi and roots—the vines achieve better nutrient absorption and deeper root penetration into the chalk subsoils. This results in grapes of exceptional quality, sourced from over 80-year-old vines in Avize’s Grand Cru vineyards.
Key Details:
Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Terroir: Grand Cru site in Avize
Farming Practices: Organic, biodynamic, and horse-plowed soils
Vinification: Hand-picked grapes, matured entirely in oak barrels
Dosage: 4 g/L
Reserve Wine: 25% perpetual reserve
This cuvée embodies the philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for the vineyard ecosystem.
Champagne De Sousa Cuvée des Caudalies
The Cuvée des Caudalies is a blanc de blancs Champagne vinified entirely in oak barrels. Grapes are sourced from Chardonnay vines over 60 years old, with a perpetual reserve dating back to 1995 forming part of the blend. This meticulous process highlights the complexity derived from age and terroir.
Key Details:
Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Terroir: Grand Cru sites in the Côte des Blancs
Farming Practices: Organic and biodynamic
Vinification: Hand-picked grapes, matured 100% in oak barrels (8% new oak)
Dosage: 5 g/L
Reserve Wine: 50% perpetual reserve
The focus on older vines and perpetual reserves underlines the house’s dedication to creating wines with depth and character.
Summary
Champagne De Sousa’s range showcases a commitment to terroir, organic and biodynamic farming, and precise vinification techniques. Each cuvée reflects the diversity of Champagne’s Grand Cru vineyards and the meticulous craftsmanship of the house. From the Extra-Brut Réserve to the Mycorhize and Cuvée des Caudalies, these Champagnes emphasize quality, authenticity, and respect for nature.