Champagne De Sousa - Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Caudalies

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

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!

About the estate:

Érick de Sousa is a highly talented winemaker who has been based at the family estate since 1986, where he cultivates ten hectares in the Côte des Blancs 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—planted with Chardonnay—as well as plots in Aÿ and Ambonnay planted with Pinot Noir, and a small amount of Meunier. The result is a very broad range of champagnes that differ in approach but share a family resemblance in their smooth texture and aromatic originality, enhanced by beautifully crafted aging in oak. From this perspective, the 3A cuvée seems to us 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 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 surprise, it is on the palate that one discovers the stylistic charm of this house with an established reputation.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The Cuvée des Caudalies Grand Cru Extra Brut, with its intense citrus hue, is made entirely from Chardonnay grapes grown on 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.

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

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, wine-like character.

About the estate:

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

James Suckling

About the wine:

Made from old Chardonnay vines in Avize, fermented in oak barrels and blended with a solera reserve wine. Highly concentrated and subtle, it has a complex character with deep, rich notes of peach, lemon, and grapefruit. It finishes with a long, mineral, and salty aftertaste. Highly concentrated and distinctive. Enjoy now or age further.