2017 Heurtebise Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Chartogne-Taillet
Strictly limited to 6 bottles per customer
This 12 hectare domaine is based in Merfy, just north-west of Reims. The young Alexandre Chartogne took over the family domaine in 2006 having trained at Selosse, whose influence is seen in the way he works his vineyards. No pesticides or herbicides are used, and ploughing is done by horse. Specialising in single vineyard Champagnes, Alexandre produces eight cuvées. Antonio Galloni says his "readers will find very few growers with a deeper love of the land and all it has to say than Alexandre Chartogne." The Heurtes Bises lieu-dit is a windy spot on sandstone soils, which lose water at a faster rate than the chalky soils around. The vines are therefore stretched to the limit, and the grapes they produce possess an electrifying minerality. Extended (18 month) lees ageing combined with a 4g/l dosage keep this cuvée taut and nervous. Disgorged 2021.