Champagne Marc Hébrart NOCES DE CRAIE Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Extra Brut 2018 ($119.95, 6pk)

What does grower-producer mean in the world of Champagne? Unlike the mass-market brands we see on store shelves that are made of purchased bulk grapes (yes, this happens even in a premium region like Champagne!), grower-producers in general tend to handle 100% of the farming and winemaking process. This usually results in better agricultural practices and more complex flavours.

This beautiful 100% Pinot Noir grand cru Champagne comes from 50+ year old vines, all grown by selection massale. The wine comprises five parcels from the legendary grand cru village of Aÿ (Cheuzelles, Longchamps, Pruche, Chaffour, and Pierre-Robert).

Vinified in stainless steel. Aged 48 months sur latte. Disgorged Jan 2022; dosage 5 g/L

Marc Hébrart started making his own Champagne in 1962, and the domaine is now run by Jean-Paul, who took over in 1997. The estate currently comprises 16 hectares, 8 ha of Pinot in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ (1eC), Chardonnay in Oiry (GC), Avize (GC), Chouilly (GC) and Cramant (GC), and more Pinot in Louvois (GC) and Aÿ (GC) - as well as the rare walled vineyard, the Clos le Léon in Dizy (1eC): in total 80 parcels in 11 villages, all vinified separately. The house style exudes terroir and warm elegance: stainless steel, late disgorgement and low dosages
are a few of Jean-Paul's signature techniques.