Champagne Fleury, Cépages Blancs Brut Nature, Champagne, France, 2012

Producer Profile

Champagne Fleury was founded in 1895 in Courteron in the heart of southern Champagne region of the Côte des Bar, sitting among the clay-limestone hillsides formed in the Kimmeridgian period by the first tributaries of the Seine.

The family’s passion for viticulture has been fuelled by the growth of Biodynamic principals, to be respectful of the natural order of things, the heritage of the terroir and to be costodians of the terroir, keeping it in balance and to unearth its mysteries with minimal impact. Under the skill, guidance an wisdom of Jean-Pierre, three of his children continue to keep the mission going. Innovation has always played a key role in the Fleury family. Each generation has had to produce novel approaches during difficult times. Emile Fleury was audacious enough to graft the first Pinot Noir vines in the region after the devastating phylloxera invasion in the early 20th century. When the economic crisis hit in 1929 his son Robert Fleury saved his small vine-growing business by venturing into champagne production. In doing so he became one of the first “grower-producers” of the southern Champagne region. In 1970 Jean-Pierre Fleury took over and in 1989 he was the first to apply biodynamic practices to the vineyard; only partly at first and then entirely in 1992. Jean-Sébastien is also at the heart of innovation at the domain, experimenting with grafting techniques, as well as reintroducing horses to work on certain plots. He has installed a “gallery of casks and barrels” to utilise and created the first sulphur-free wines of the domain. Equally, Benoît is currently experimenting with massale selection and agroforestry as new ways of cultivating the vines in symbiosis with an adapting environment.

Viticulture

Despite being a less represented grape variety in the southern part of the Champagne region, this cuvée takes its charm from the nearby Chablisienne terroir. Anchored just off the slopes of Champraux and the old vines of Valprune, this wine exudes opulence, richness and vivacity.

Winemaking

Crafted exclusively from 100% Chardonnay the wine undergoes fermentation split evenly between temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. This dual approach balances purity and subtle oak complexity. Malolactic fermentation is completed to enhance the wine’s roundness and texture. With a residual sugar level of 2 g/l and an alcohol content of 12%, the wine offers a harmonious blend of freshness and elegance.

Tasting Note

The wine displays a radiant crystal-golden hue with a delicate, creamy mousse. The nose is richly aromatic, unfolding enticing scents of sun-dried raisins and ripe mirabelle plum. On the palate, it reveals layers of white blossoms, juicy peach, and toasted almonds, evolving gracefully with nuanced hints of brioche and dried fruit, culminating in a complex and satisfying finish.

Food Matching

Glazed chicken with a girolle mushroom risotto, roasted quail with a cream of nutmeg squash.