Champagne Penet-Chardonnet, Terroir & Sens, Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru, Extra Brut
Critics reviews
Bottled May 2017, disgorged October 2021.
Attractive nutty aromas, developed and oxidative fruit on the palate – very Selossian. Intense autolysis, modern, much more characterful than a standard NV.
Drink 2020 - 2026
Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com (February 2023)
Aromas of dried apricots, salted almonds, chalk, ginger snaps and dried spices. Medium-bodied with sleek bubbles and bright acidity. Some spicy ginger character to this. Dry. 100% Chardonnay. 2016 base wine. 5.2g/l dosage.
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James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com (July 2022)
About this WINE
Champagne Penet-Chardonnet
Champagne Penet-Chardonnet has 400 years of winemaking history behind it. The estate spans six hectares, spread over 30 small plots across Verzy and Verzenay in the Montagne de Reims.
Located in the north-eastern extremity of the region, this land is 100% Grand Cru, and is home to some of the best Pinot Noir vineyards in all of Champagne. The Penet family farms their estate with the utmost care for nature, using sustainable and organic methods.
The estate is now run by fourth generation winemaker Alexandre Penet and his wife Martine, who have redefined the house style since taking over in 2009. Alexandre vinifies all crus separately, bottling the best sites as single lieu dits. These wines are set to become some of the most desired in the region: detail, expressive and made with precision, they are totally distinctive in personality.
Blanc de Blancs
In Champagne, the term Blanc de Blancs designates Champagnes made only from Chardonnay grapes. The vineyards located between Cramant and Mesnil-sur-Oger in Côte des Blancs yield the best examples of the style.
A classic Blanc de Blancs is restrained and elegant when young, yet with ageing it develops a mouth-coating brioche richness that overlays an intense expression of fruitiness. Blanc de Blancs are endowed with longer ageing potential than a typical Blanc de Noirs.
Recommended Producers: Salon, Billecart Salmon, Jacques Selosse, Dom Ruinart, Krug, Le Mesnil Grand Cru, Guy Larmandier
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is often seen as the king of white wine grapes and one of the most widely planted in the world It is suited to a wide variety of soils, though it excels in soils with a high limestone content as found in Champagne, Chablis, and the Côte D`Or.
Burgundy is Chardonnay's spiritual home and the best White Burgundies are dry, rich, honeyed wines with marvellous poise, elegance and balance. They are unquestionably the finest dry white wines in the world. Chardonnay plays a crucial role in the Champagne blend, providing structure and finesse, and is the sole grape in Blanc de Blancs.
It is quantitatively important in California and Australia, is widely planted in Chile and South Africa, and is the second most widely planted grape in New Zealand. In warm climates Chardonnay has a tendency to develop very high sugar levels during the final stages of ripening and this can occur at the expense of acidity. Late picking is a common problem and can result in blowsy and flabby wines that lack structure and definition.
Recently in the New World, we have seen a move towards more elegant, better- balanced and less oak-driven Chardonnays, and this is to be welcomed.
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Description
The Terroir & Sens Blanc de Blancs from Champagne Penet-Chardonnet is a rare gem, stemming from a Grand Cru village known almost exclusively for Pinot Noir. This wine demonstrates the richness, complexity and minerality of the terroir. The nose is vinous, smoky and reminiscent of white Burgundy, helped by its time in used barrel. The palate is detailed, with crispy and supple white fruit, alongside notes of cardamom, saffron, and patisserie. There’s a fine, minerally charged mousse.
Drink 2024 - 2035
Davy Żyw, Senior Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
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