Vénus 2013 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru

Vénus 2013 comes from the old Chardonnay plot in Avize, planted in 1959. The grapes are picked by hand, and the vineyard work is done by a horse named Venus. The wine is aged entirely in oak barrels and is not filtered. Six years on the lees follow, with riddling by hand. Disgorgement takes place about 60 days before sale. This champagne has no dosage (brut nature).

In the glass it shows fruit, white truffle and fine toasty notes. Without dosage it is dry and clear, while the long time on the lees gives it fullness. This comes across best at 10 to 12 °C in a large white wine glass. Scallops, monkfish, sweetbreads, mushroom dishes or a mature hard cheese all make good companions. It should also develop nicely after a few years in the cellar.