Etienne Calsac, 'Les Rocheforts' Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Extra Brut R20

100% Chardonnay

“Terroir de Bisseuil” Grande Vallée de la Marne

30-year-old vines on average in a soil that is pure chalk, with eastward vineyard exposure. On lees for seven months before bottling in a combination of oak and stainless steel. 18-24 months in bottle. Dosage 4 g/l (MCR). ‘Rocheforts’ means ‘strong rocks.’ This 1er cru single-vineyard in Bisseuil creates a precise and beautifully expressive Blanc de Blancs, produced with 25% reserve wine since 2012.

In 2010, at the age of 26, Etienne Calsac decided to take control of his grandparents’ three hectares of vineyards scattered in and around Avize, which had previously been rented out to the grandes maisons. Chez Calsac, stewardship of the terroir is the basis for great Champagne, so Etienne set out to ensure that all the vineyards are planted with grass cover crops, plowed, and transitioned to organic farming. Etienne himself had worked several vintages helping with press before starting his own domaine, and he decided to maintain the same strict quality controls, as well as add a few personal touches inspired by tastings and conversations with other young vignerons. With dynamic releases and impactful quality, the potential of the domaine is unlimited, though the highly sought-after wines are not.