The iconic Champagne from Stephane Coquillette from Chouilly and those of Saint-Chamant have arrived. Extra Brut classic Champagnes with lovely spice and tension.
Champagne Coquillette is situated in Chouilly, a village classified as Grand Cru in the Côte des Blancs. Stéphane Coquillette (photo above) is a fourth-generation winemaker in Champagne. His grandparents (Pierre and Hélène Coquillette) established the marque Champagne Saint-Chamant in 1930. In 1950, Stéphane’s father Christian took over the estate, which he ran until recently.. When Stéphane came of age, Christian sent him off on his own, thus Stéphane created and runs his own estate with 6 hectares of vines, Champagne S. Coquillette. The majority of the grapes come from Chouilly (Grand Cru), Cuis (Premier Cru 99%) for Chardonnay, d’Aÿ (Grand Cru) and Mareuil/Aÿ (Premier Cru 99%) for the Pinot Noir grapes. The vineyards are planted on limestone soil, growing on 10 inches of arable earth and directly on the “roche mere” or mother rock made of chalk descending for tens of meters. The characteristic of the sub-soil adds to the expression of aromas from the fruit and creates a refined wine. The vineyards are worked in part by plough and then the ground is covered with bark in order to stop erosion and prevent weeds from sprouting. Herbicides are avoided at all costs. Everything is done by hand, such as trellising and pruning, which avoids disease and allows for a healthy crop. More than ten different parcels contribute to the cuvées of Champagne Coquillette, among them “Le Chemin d’Avize,” “Les Clés,” “Les Carelles,” “La Mutry,” “Les Sorsous,” “La Pouplot.”
Champagne Stéphane Coquillette Carte d’Or 1er Cru Landed $81.00
A blend of Grand Cru and Premier Cru. There is 2/3 of Pinot Noir from Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and 1/3 of Chardonnay from Chouilly and Cuis. Dosage 5 g/l. Based on 100% 2019 with no reserve wines. Beautifully crisp and savory. All sherbet and minerals. A perfect dosage keeps this wine alive and interesting. A delightful intense approachable style that balances red fruits with minerals. Drinks nicely now and can cellar for a year.
Champagne Stéphane Coquillette Cuvée Diane Blanc de Blancs Landed $93.00
100% Chardonnay from Chouilly with tiny amount from Cuis.Dosage 5g/l. This is a beautifully structured elegant pure Chardonnay – amazingly complex from old vines – lovely acidity with a precise dosage. Hints of floral and tropical overtones. Based on 100% 2019 with no reserve wines.
Champagne Stéphane Coquillette Cuvée Les Clés Blanc de Noirs Landed $93.00
Grand Cru from Aÿ, yes 100% Pinot Noir. Mostly from vines planted in 1960. Dosage 5 g/l. The subtle red fruits are pure and elegant, and we get some classic funkiness I associate with Aÿ Pinot. Again 100% 2019 with no reserve wines. Ridiculously delicious Grand Cru Pinot from old vines Aÿ at a bargain price. Anything from Aÿ is expensive! And this is in effect a vintage wine. Bargain.
Champagne Stéphane Coquillette Cuvée By Louis Vintage 2013 Brut Zero Landed $147.00
100% Pinot Noir from a blend of best parcels of Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. Zero dosage. This is the tete de cuvée extra-ordinaire. Subtle floral and citrus aromas lead to a vinous, mineral palate with hints of almonds, red fruits and brioche. Hugely complex and palate staining. The zero dosage is totally transparent. and the subtle wood integration enhances the saline minerality. This Champagne behaves like a wine and needs time in the glass to open up and expand. Certainly a candidate for opening a few hours in advance and having time to breathe – like all fine wine. All the components are in perfect balance. Fermented in tank and aged in oak for 9 months. This cuvée is named after the son – Louis. VERY LIMITED
Champagne Saint-Chamant Carte Or Landed $99.00
One of Stephane’s father’s wines. 100% Chouilly chardonnay vintage 2012 with dosage 5gm/litre. Recently disgorged. Creamy and zesty with over 8 years on lees. Mouth-filling complexity.Perfect balance. Proof that tank-fermented old vines chardonnay champagne is just as classic as all the newer small parcel, oak, partial malo champagnes. The vineyard quality speaks loud. The label has not changed in 50 years. LIMITED
Champagne Saint-Chamant Brut Integral 2010 Landed $129.00
100% Chouilly chardonnay vintage 2010 with dosage zero. A classic expression of Chouilly terroir with perfect balance and acidity. Some growers produced classic age worthy wines in 2010, and this is certainly in the league. Huge length with mouth staining and chalky acidity. Very rare to find this quality at this reasonable price. Classic old label has not changed in decades. VERY LIMITED
