Devaux, Cuvée D Champagne
Country: France Region: Champagne
Varietal: 55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay
Vintage: NV Colour: White Style: Sparkling
Producer: Devaux
Description:
Founded in 1846 by the brothers Jules and Auguste Devaux, today Devaux is owned by the Union Auboise in the Côte des Bar – the heartland of Pinot Noir in Champagne. Physically closer to Chablis than Reims or Épernay, the vines grow on Burgundian soils of Kimmeridgian marl and Portlandian limestone. Chef de Cave since 1999, Michel Parisot was named the ‘Sparkling Winemaker of the Year’ at the 2020 International Wine Challenge – an achievement that is testament to Michel’s pioneering approach to winemaking.
Winemaking:
The flagship ‘Collection D’ range uses only the first quarter of the press (the ‘coeur de cuvée’) and is aged for at least five years, contributing to flavour complexity and an integrated mousse. The ‘Cuvée D’ comprises at least 40% reserve wines, including wine from two solera systems dating back to 1995 and 2002.
Vineyards:
The "D Collection" wines are Devaux's very best. The grapes come from highly select, sustainably farmed parcels across 50 hectares. The majority of the vineyards are situated in the Aube on Kimmeridgian limestone-clay soils. This continental location, on the slopes of the Côte des Bars, is important; it gives the Pinot Noir richness on the nose and a long finish, while retaining finesse. The Chardonnay in the blend is grown on the fine chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs, Vitry and Montgueux ("the Meursault of Champagne") to give liveliness and elegance.
Tasting Notes:
The Cuvée D is rich and intense, with lively acidity bringing balance, freshness and minerality. As James Halliday describes, "there is a plethora of spiced, dried and fresh fruits, balance and freshness provided by a surge of citrussy acidity on the finish. And aftertaste." The Pinot Noir gives body and length to the wine, while the Chardonnay adds elegance and finesse.
Food Matches: Chicken with honey, fruit salad, oysters in marinade
