Champagne De Sousa - Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Caudalies

Straightforward, briny, and deep, with a fine effervescence and a palate that is both creamy and taut, set against a backdrop of aromas blending brioche and fresh pineapple. Great purity!

Érick de Sousa is a highly talented winemaker who has been based at the family estate since 1986—ten hectares in the Côte des Blancs that have been cultivated using biodynamic methods for over twenty years. Uncompromising and meticulous, he crafts a range of sparkling wines with pure and nuanced expressions, drawing on the terroirs of Avize, Cramant, Oger, and Le Mesnil—all planted with Chardonnay—as well as some Pinot Noir in Aÿ and Ambonnay, and a small amount of Meunier. The result is a very broad range of champagnes that differ in approach yet share a common thread in their smooth texture and aromatic originality, enhanced by beautifully executed aging in oak. From this perspective, the 3A cuvée strikes us as representative of this irresistible allure, as does the remarkable Mycorhize cuvée, not to mention the Caudalie cuvée, which over the years has become inseparable from the house and serves as its flagship. As for vintages, the 2008 holds its own, while the 2010 surprises with its fresh balance in a year known for its suppleness. While the noses may sometimes be unexpected, it is on the palate that one discovers the stylistic charm of this well-established house.

The Cuvée des Caudalies Grand Cru Extra Brut, with its intense citrus color, is made from 100% Chardonnay from old vines in Avize. [...] The wine opens with an intense, concentrated bouquet, still showing yeast and toasty notes, with plenty of brioche and refined “reserve” aromas. Pure and linear on the palate, yet rich and intense, with a charming roundness (dosage of five grams per liter), this Cuvée des Caudalies is still incredibly young but well-structured and expressive, and the finish reveals remarkable saline purity, complexity, and mineral tension.

 

A perpetual reserve aged in barrels from vintages ranging from 2011 to 1995: this cuvée has a creamier texture but offers a subtle effervescence and a rich, vinous character.

The estate, now led by the new generation, brilliantly carries on the work of the late Eric de Sousa. Charlotte handles the business side, Julie manages the vineyards and the horses, and Valentin works in the cellar. The estate comprises 14 hectares of vineyards, primarily Chardonnay located in the Avize Grand Cru, as well as Pinot Noir from the Aÿ and Ambonnay Grand Crus. Certified organic in 2010 and biodynamic in 2013, the estate also benefits from its old-growth vines. Careful management of the aging process in oak highlights magnificent wines brimming with energy.

Old Chardonnay vines from Avize, fermented in oak barrels and blended with a solera reserve wine. Very concentrated and subtle, it has a complex character with deep, rich notes of peach, lemon, and grapefruit. It delivers a long, mineral, and salty finish. Very concentrated and distinctive. Ready to drink now or worth holding onto.