CHRISTIAN ETIENNE (Meurville, France)
Champagne brut Prestige
100% Chardonnay hand picked and carefully sorted. Fermented traditionally, in tank. Some reserve may be barrel aged. Secondary fermentation happens in bottle. Rests for 2yrs before release. 10-11g dosage before release.
Christian Etienne is a traditional man trying to do what it takes to keep his tiny 9ha producing extraordinary fruit. He works his land ecologically, while his 11 children grow up among the vines, keeping alive the family tradition of many generations. It is testament to their endurance, to survive despite 2 wars in the region and near bankruptcy in between. The vines are as sturdy as Christian themselves, digging deeply into the pure limestone and chalky soils surrounding the house. They are meticulously cared for, as they are as much part of the family, with proper selection while harvesting. Allow the cellar is tiny, Christian vinifies his wines separately, producing several cuvees, charting the expression of each varietal and parcel soil type. These are hand-crafted wines by the best definition. Christian has much to do to keep the family tradition alive. Now, with his popularity climbing in the US, he will secure that continuity for the future.
100% Chardonnay hand picked and carefully sorted. Fermented traditionally, in tank. Some reserve may be barrel aged. Secondary fermentation happens in bottle. Rests for 2yrs before release. 10-11g dosage before release.