Chartogne-Taillet 'Les Couarres' Extra Brut

Cépage: 60% Chardonnay 40% Pinot Noir
Village/vyd: Merfy; single-vineyard Les Couarres, Sand over Clay
Malo: Partial
Élevage: Used barriques, and concrete eggs; wild yeasts
Sur latte: 36 months
Dégorgement: January 2021

The Site

Les Couarres is located in the center of the vineyards of Merfy, with some of the richest, most humid soil in the village. This south facing, gentle slope has more water in reserve than the other plots, a benefit in warm, dry years but which also makes it more susceptible to Spring frost.  Of the single parcel wines that Alexandre produces, Les Couarres also requires the most work in the cellar during maturation. He notes that is more susceptible to oxidation and oxygen during élevage must avoided as much as possible during the aging process. Wines from Les Couarres are marked by a sapid, textured roundness, a broad character, followed by a lift of freshness and a backbone of acidity, framing the wine. This release is tighter and more reductive from the clay influence on the wine.

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