Étienne Calsac, ‘L’Échappée Belle’ 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut (NV)
Regular price $68.99
Unit price per
Champagne, France— Organic. 100% Chardonnay, all estate fruit. Half of the fruit is from Etienne's holdings in the Côte de Sézanne, one quarter from Grauves, and the last quarter from Bisseuil. Beginning in 2011, Étienne has kept a perpetual reserve just for this cuvée, and 20% of the final blend is produced with that reserve. Direct press of the entire harvest with separation of the juice. Only the "cuvée" is kept for the vinification (no head or tail of the press). Base wine (currently 2023) aged on the lees for seven months, 25% of which is aged in neutral 500-600 liter barrels, before bottling. 5g/L dosage. August '25 disgorgement (June for the magnums).
For years, the Calsac family sold the grapes they grew in their vineyards to the region’s grand Champagne houses. But, in 2010, 26-year-old Etienne Calsac inherited the vines and expanded the family business to incorporate Champagne-making from start to finish. Today, at his Avize estate, Etienne applies the strict quality control methods his grandparents taught him while also contributing his own spirit of experimentation during vinification. The vigneron’s expressive wines reflect distinctive terroir and showcase the elegance of the chardonnay grape.