Guiborat, Champagne Chardonnay Téthys. 18 Grand Cru Extra Brut NV

100% Chardonnay

Organic

Cote de Blancs, Champagne, France

From the importer-

Richard Fouquet, represents the 5th generation at this 8 hectare family domaine created in 1885 with vineyards in Cramant, Chouilly and Mardeuil. He was only 21 when he took over the gestion of the domaine from his grandmother in 1996. Almost 3/4 of the production is sold to a Grande Marque, the domaine keeps only the best parcels to produce three cuvées: a Brut Tradition of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier; a Cuvée Blanc de Blancs produced from Chardonnay Côte des Blancs Grand Cru;  and a vintage also 100% Chardonnay. In an average year, Guiborat produces less than 2,500cs.

Sourced from 4 parcels in Grand Cru villages in the Cote de Blancs. From Cramant - Les Bergeries (planted in 1984) and from Chouilly- Le Mont Aigu (planted in 1979) and Les Caurés (planted in 1998 and 2005) along with 5th parcel, Gros Mont (planted in 1969) from Oiry. Chalk is the dominant soil type in all his parcels though here there are some alluvial and clay top soils interspersed with the pure chalk. The grapes from each parcel are kept separate and vinified individually in stainless steel to keep the identity of each terroir. After fermentation the base wines have a lengthy elevage on their lees (at least 7 months) until assemblage and bottling the following Spring. This is his one cuvee that undergoes full malo on all components. Tethys.18- 80% from 2018 with 20% of reserve wines (50% of 2017, 25% 2016, & 12.5% 2015, 12.5% older vintages. Min of 24 months before disgorgement. Dosage 1.5 g/l. Tethys – named after the Greek goddess of the sea and the name of the ancient ocean which previously covered Champagne- emphasizes the pleasure and fruit of Chardonnay.