Grapes: Pinot Noir
Region: Les Riceys, Champagne, France
Vintage: 2022
Viticulture: Biodynamic
Soils: Kimmeridgian + Limestone
Yeasts: Native
Vinification: Fermented in stainless steel vats.
Aging: 24 months on the lees
Fining or Filtering: Disgorged
Dosage: 0 g/l
Notes from the Importer: Dechannes runs a petite domaine under biodynamic culture in Les Riceys, two hamlets (Ricey-Bas and Ricey-Haut) that share a small appellation in the south of Champagne known for its rosé, Rosé des Riceys, just an hour drive northeast of Chablis. The character of the Pinot Noir in this region is exceptional and unique. Through her range (almost entirely composed of Pinot Noir based Champagnes and one still wine rosé) the throughline of deep but elegant sappiness in the palate and ethereal, wildly complex aromas seem to truly come from this particular place.
Champagne Essentielle is made entirely from Pinot Noir from Les Riceys. It’s gorgeous and delivers as much pleasure for a young Champagne as seems possible. The bright Pinot Noir fruit is not subtle and makes for an unapologetically delicious, serious Champagne (2016 vintage, zero dosage) that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
