Champagne Glavier – Cramant

Champagne Glavier – Cramant

47 parcels of Chardonnay spread across the Grand Crus of Avize, Cramant, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger totalling 4.4 hectares. Classic tank fermentation with full malo-lactic. Dosages are all at 5gm or less. A tiny producer focusing on highest quality Chardonnay across top quality vineyards.

Using a small 2,000kg pneumatic press allows greater selectivity and control of small parcel harvesting and vinification. 27 of the parcels make up the majority of the vineyard area and these are in prestigious Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger vineyards – totalling 75% of their production. So even though Philippe is based in Cramant he only has small holdings in Cramant. Why Cramant? His wife’s side of the family own the cuverie and buildings in Cramant. So we should really regard Glavier as a Le Mesnil-sur-Oger producer. The style here is all about intensity and precision. These are not ‘pretty’ party wines. Theses are serious vinous masterpieces that offer a profound statement about their terroir. Vintage wines are only produced in exceptional years. In an effort to expand their business and alleviate some tax burdens, Champagne Glavier has become a Negociant Manipulant, with the desire to buy grapes from conscientious like minded grape growers. Sadly this is not an easy task. There are some excellent grape growers in Cramant who are happy to sell to the big houses but not sell to their village neighbours and friends.

 

Champagne Glavier La Grace d’Alphael Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru    
Pure and vibrant in style, this cuvée is dedicated to the angel of knowledge and light. Philippe purposefully ages this on lees for less time, to accentuate the chalky mineral overtones and allow the terroir to speak. Based on 64% 2016 and reserve wines from 2015 and 2014. Dosage 5g/l. 18% Cramant, 36% Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, 23% Oger and 23% Avize. Vibrantly chalky and mineral, very precise purity. The blend here is slowly evolving with less ‘fat’ of Avize in the overall makeup. On the wine list at Lakehouse Daylesford.

 
Champagne Glavier Genesis Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru  
Genesis is the subtly different to Alphael – with longer lees time – large scaled and intense but with great length and elegance. Based on 82% 2014 with reserve wines from 2013. 14% Cramant, 37% Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, 21.5% Oger and 27.5% Avize. Dosage 4g/l. A slightly different vineyard selection and longer time on lees ramps up the weight and power. Majestic Chardonnay with ultra-fine mousse. Round and saline with citrus and hints of floral. This leans to being more of a food wine. Palate staining!