Champagne Fleury, Notes Blanches Brut Nature, Champagne, France, 2018

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

Sourced from the Charme de Fin and Valverot plots in Courteron, Côte des Bar.

Winemaking

Fermented and aged entirely in used oak barrels; underwent malolactic fermentation then secondary fermentation in bottle. Disgorged in December after 5½ years of lees aging. No dosage.

Tasting Note

Pale gold with delicate bubbles. Aromas of white flowers, honey, and white-fleshed fruits, complemented by hints of pineapple and white pepper. The wine is dry (Brut Nature), showcasing a mineral-driven profile with a saline finish. Flavors of yellow fruit and citrus are prominent, balanced by a creamy texture and elegant acidity

Food Matching

Oysters or prawns, soft cheeses, vegetable-based dishes.