Champagne Chassenay d'Arce - Vintage Brut 2010

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

This brand from the Côte des Bar cooperative winery (which charmingly describes itself as a “house of winemakers”) in the Aube department has made significant strides and effectively demonstrates the undeniable potential of this “southern” terroir within the Champagne wine region. Apart from the premier cuvée, which falls short of the rest of the range, the champagnes possess a distinct personality, as evidenced, for example, by the surprising Pinot Blanc.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

Founded in 1956, this cooperative in the Aube department now has 130 members who cultivate 315 hectares spread across ten villages in the Arce Valley, near Bar-sur-Seine. As the flagship grape variety of the Côte des Bar, Pinot Noir makes up the majority of the local vineyards.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the estate:

Founded in 1956, the cooperative now comprises no fewer than 130 winegrowers and boasts a total of 315 hectares of vineyards. Overlooking the Arce Valley, in the heart of the Côte des Bar, this “winegrowers’ cooperative” is housed in a large, characterful 19th-century building. In a terroir where Pinot Noir reigns supreme, the landscape—with its alternating vineyards and forests—fosters biodiversity and enables an environmentally respectful approach. The range has been expanded with two new certified organic cuvées (“Les Authentiques”), and visitors can explore a new tasting and tour area in the estate’s cellars, as well as an exhibition titled “Les Effervescentes.” Of particular note is a vintage Pinot Blanc cuvée, a specialty of the estate.