At A Glance
- Field
- Detail
- Region
- Champagne, Côte des Blancs
- Village
- Avize
- Classification
- Grand Cru
- Main grape
- Chardonnay
- Estate size
- 3.6 hectares
- Signature wine
- A Boatas Charles Legendre Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut
The Producer
Armand Boatas first trained as an engineer before returning to manage his family vineyard. He later left the automotive industry to work in winemaking full time. He represents the fourth generation of Avize vignerons, growers who farm and make wine.
The vines average approximately fifty years of age. Malolactic fermentation converts malic acid into lactic acid and can soften acidity; A. Boatas uses the process selectively, with some cuvées made without it and others allowed to undergo it.
Place
Avize is a Grand Cru village in the Côte des Blancs. The estate's named vineyard parcels include Chemin de Paradis, Fond du Moulin, Terre de Maladries and Nobiats du Nord. Grand Cru classifies the village; a named parcel identifies a smaller vineyard unit within it.
In Champagne, Blanc de Blancs identifies a white wine made from white grapes. The estate's Blanc de Blancs cuvées use Chardonnay.
Wines
Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is the entry cuvée and is aged 36+ months on lees in bottle. Lees are the spent yeast cells left after the second fermentation; longer contact can build texture and savoury notes. The cuvée has a fresh, delicate expression of white flowers, apple and pear, followed by a citrus finish.
Charles Legendre 2013 is an Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs made without malolactic fermentation, with stewed fruit and smoked aromas. Paradis 2016 is also an Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs made without malolactic fermentation, with chalky minerality. Extra Brut is the lower dosage category, with less added sugar after disgorgement than Brut.
Brut Grande Réserve Grand Cru is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, aged 9+ years on lees, with toasted notes. Brut Rosé Grand Cru is 90% Chardonnay Grand Cru and 10% Pinot Noir, with pink grapefruit and wild strawberry.
Final Word
Champagne A. Boatas varies malolactic fermentation and lees ageing between cuvées. The range includes Blanc de Blancs, Grande Réserve and Rosé styles.