Elise Dechannes Blanc de Noirs Absolue Gres Champagne 2021
Elise Dechannes Champagnes are farmed in Les Riceys, in the southernmost part of the Aube, known for their Pinot Noir still rosé, Rosé des Riceys AOC. She uses organic (certified in 2018) and biodynamic practices, aside from a few exceptions—some years she doesn’t apply any copper or sulfur to the vines. Like the neighboring Chablis appellation, Kimmeridgian marl and clay are the dominant bedrock and soil compositions. Vinifications and aging are in stainless steel, oak, sandstone and clay amphoras. Most Champagnes are without dosage. The results with the mostly Pinot Noir-based wines are diverse and fun—anywhere from extremely ethereal and fruity, to more savory and gourmand.
An outlier from the traditional Elise Dechannes’ vineyards which enjoy southeastern sun exposure on the steep hillsides of Les Riceys, the pinot noir grapes used to make this cuvée hail from the flatland, old-vine parcel “Val Preuse”. French for “sandstone,” Grès achieves its unique profile due to vinification in sandstone amphora.
