Grand Cru, Blancs de Blancs Champagne NV

750ml

Overview

The Franck Bonville Grand Cru Blancs de Blancs Champagne NV is a luxurious, refined expression of Champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the grand cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. Known for its mineral-driven character and elegant finesse, this non-vintage Champagne represents the epitome of quality craftsmanship, combining the power and precision of Chardonnay with the artistry of Franck Bonville's winemaking philosophy. The wine’s balanced profile makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of occasions, from celebratory to gastronomic.

Vinification and Aging

• Fermentation: The grapes are carefully selected and undergo a gentle pressing to extract the finest juice. The must is fermented in stainless steel tanks, maintaining the fresh and pure characteristics of the Chardonnay.
• Maceration: A short maceration period is employed to gently extract the delicate aromas and flavors from the Chardonnay skins, enhancing the wine’s overall texture.
• Aging: After fermentation, the wine undergoes extended aging on its lees in the bottle for a minimum of 36 months, allowing the Champagne to develop complexity and depth. This long aging process imparts a creamy texture and fine mousse to the wine, enhancing its overall elegance and finesse.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: The Champagne has a brilliant, pale golden color with fine, persistent bubbles that form an elegant mousse.
• Aroma: On the nose, the wine offers a complex bouquet of white flowers, citrus fruits, and green apple, with subtle hints of almond, brioche, and a delicate minerality. There is also a touch of fresh cream and toast, which deepens as the wine breathes.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is lively and fresh, with vibrant acidity that enhances its crispness and structure. The fruit flavors of lemon zest, green apple, and pear are balanced by a creamy texture and a hint of almond, creating a harmonious and well-rounded mouthfeel. The minerality from the chalky terroir of the Côte des Blancs adds a layer of sophistication.
• Finish: The finish is long and refreshing, with a clean, crisp minerality and lingering flavors of citrus fruit and brioche. The fine mousse leaves a smooth, silky sensation on the palate, making it an exceptionally elegant Champagne.

Food Pairing

Franck Bonville Grand Cru Blancs de Blancs Champagne NV pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, particularly those with delicate flavors and textures. It is an excellent match for seafood dishes like lobster, oysters, and shrimp. It also pairs well with creamy dishes such as scallops in butter sauce, roasted chicken, or a mild cheese like goat cheese or Camembert. For a truly special pairing, enjoy it with sushi or foie gras for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Serve at 8–10°C (46–50°F) to preserve the Champagne’s crispness and enhance its fine aromas.
• Glassware: Use tulip-shaped Champagne glasses or flutes to allow the bubbles to linger and the wine’s aromas to develop fully.

Aging Potential

Although this Champagne is delightful upon release, it can also age gracefully for several more years. The acidity and minerality of the wine provide a solid structure that allows it to evolve and deepen in complexity. Expect the wine’s fruit flavors to soften over time, giving way to more developed, nutty, and toasty characteristics. Aging for 5–8 years can reveal further layers of complexity, making it an excellent choice for cellaring.