2013 Champagne Claude Cazals, Clos Cazals, Blanc de Blancs, Vieilles Vignes, Grand Cru, Oger, Extra Brut
About this WINE
Champagne Claude Cazals
Catalan cooper Ernest Cazals moved to Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and founded Champagne Cazals in 1897. Today, Cazals is run by fourth generation Delphine Cazals, the first woman in her family to take over the reins.
This relatively unknown estate historically sold grapes to the Grand Marques for their prestige cuvées. However, Delphine bravely changed the direction of production. Now, Cazals produce their own, terroir-driven wines from nine hectares of Côte des Blancs vineyards, centred around the famous Grand Cru Chardonnay capital of Oger.
Their trophy vineyard, Clos Cazals, is the only walled Clos in Oger and is the envy of many across Champagne. This vineyard is farmed sustainably and contains many mature vines. Cazals produces two wines; the Chapelle du Clos from the younger vines, and the Vielles Vignes from the oldest section of the vineyard. These artisanal wines offer a glimpse into this treasured terroir, which is yet to find its value in the market.
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.
Buying options
Add to wishlist
Description
The Clos Cazals Vielles Vignes is sourced exclusively from Champagne Cazals’ oldest vineyard. 20% of this tête de cuvée was fermented and matured in barrique, followed by eight years on lees which gives the wine an ample creaminess. The palate is rich with flavours of white flower, gingerbread, tangy citrus, and a mineral depth only found in wines produced from old vines. Young and energetic, this wine needs time in the cellar to show its true potential.
Drink 2023 - 2045
Davy Żyw, Senior Buyer, Berry Bros & Rudd
wine at a glance
Delivery and quality guarantee