Chartogne Taillet Les Couarres Extra Brut 2017
£65.19 (Inc. VAT bot. 75 cl.) / North Ireland
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Derived from the 2017 vintage and disgorged in July 2021 with around four grams per liter dosage, Chartogne's NV Extra-Brut Les Couarres unfurls in the glass with aromas of pear, orange oil and tangerine mingled with nuances of fresh mint, dried fruits, walnuts and spices. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and enveloping, it's rich and fleshy, with a charming, expressive personality and fine depth at the core, as well as suggestions of the fragility that often mark the wines of this challenging vintage. I suspect this is one release that will be best approached on the young side, as it has a lot to offer out of the gates.
Features
Type of wine
Pairings
Style
Occasions
Winery
Size
Appellation
Alcohol
12.5%
Grapes
Serving
Between 10ºC and 12ºC
Winemaking
Fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for 9 months in 228-litre oak barrels. Second fermentation in bottle with a minimum ageing of 38 months.
Description
Chartogne-Taillet Les Couarres Extra Brut comes from the Les Couarres vineyard, located in the heart of the Merfy terroir. This vineyard is located in the least draining area of the village, with a subsoil rich in chalk and clay. The grape varieties present in this wine are Pinot Noir (60%) and Chardonnay (40%), planted between 1970 and 2009. The total area of the Les Couarres vineyard is 3.71 hectares, of which 1.94 hectares belong to Chartogne-Taillet.
Winemaking
Les Couarres wines are characterised by the fact that they need time to open up and show their qualities. During their maturation, it is crucial to avoid rapid oxidation due to their delicate and sticky clay texture. These wines present a spherical "stickiness" on the palate, followed by a freshness with medium acidity on the finish. To protect these Champagnes from oxygen from the moment of pressing, the barrels are placed in a humid environment in the cellar, controlling evaporation to limit contact with the air.
Fermentation takes place in these barrels with indigenous yeasts, followed by ageing for 9 months. The wine then undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle with its lees for a minimum of 48 months with a final dosage of 3 g/l (Extra Brut).
Taste
Chartogne-Taillet Les Couarres Extra Brut is a high-class specimen, outstanding for being a product of a passionate winegrower. It has an attractive straw yellow colour and an intense aroma that captivates the senses from the first moment. In its aromatic profile, notes of green and red apples, citrus and orange peel can be identified, with subtle hints of exotic fruits adding a fascinating complexity. On the palate, this champagne reveals superlative intensity, with a medium-bodied, deep and layered palate, where each layer brings a different dimension to the whole. Its lively, well-defined acidity contributes to a vibrant, energetic flavour profile, providing a taste journey that maintains an exquisite balance between intensity and freshness. In addition, this champagne is characterised by its remarkable length, which means that its flavours linger and evolve pleasantly on the palate, leaving a lasting impression and an aftertaste that invites further drinking.
Shipping to North Ireland
50% discount on orders over £346.01Estimated transit time: 4-5 working days.
| Bottles | Price | Over £346.01 |
|---|---|---|
| 1-6 | £11.16 | £5.58 (-£5.58) |
| 7-12 | £15.14 | £7.57 (-£7.57) |
| 13-18 | £21.19 | £10.60 (-£10.60) |
| 19-24 | £28.98 | £14.49 (-£14.49) |
| 25-30 | £33.65 | £16.82 (-£16.82) |
| 31-36 | £37.63 | £18.81 (-£18.81) |
| 37-42 | £45.41 | £22.71 (-£22.71) |
| 43-48 | £49.74 | £24.87 (-£24.87) |
| 49-54 | £56.18 | £28.09 (-£28.09) |
| 55-60 | £60.38 | £30.19 (-£30.19) |
| VAT included | ||
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