Chartogne-Taillet, Cuvee 'Sainte Anne,' Brut, Champagne, France, NV

Overview of the Wine
The vineyards of Merfy, seven kilometers north of Reims, lie on the southern slopes of the Massif de Saint-Thierry in the Montagne de Reims. These slopes were planted shortly after the arrival of the Romans and monks of the neighboring Abbey of Saint-Thierry expanded the vineyards in the 7th century. By the 9th century, the vines surrounding the abbey represented the single largest concentration of vines in Champagne and the wines from Merfy earned a great reputation and found their way to the Royal table.

Today, Chartogne-Taillet remains the only RM producer in the village and under Alexandre Chartogne’s guidance, the wines of Chartogne-Taillet are some of the most sought-after Champagnes being produced. Alexandre worked with Anslem Selosse, who he describes as “my wine father”, returning home in 2006. The first wine that he produced was the 2006 vintage of Les Barres, a very special parcel of ungrafted Meunier, planted in 1952. The soil in this parcel is sand for almost 3 meters before the roots reach the chalk bedrock, allowing the vines “to live in two environments”.

Winemaker
Alexandre Chartogne

Grape / Blend
50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Meunier

Origin
Champagne, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The Sainte Anne cuvée is the sensory translation of wines from the different soils of the village of Merfy. Each of the village's plots contributes part of its identity to "create" this cuvée. Sainte Anne's textures are revealed throughout the entire length on the palate. Often initially opulent on the palate, the salts from the sands then give rise to a salivating bitterness. The finish leaves a tight structure that recalls the origin of Champagne wines.

93 Points - James Suckling
Even parts of chardonnay and pinot noir naturally fermented in a combination of stainless steel and wood, this has a beautifully pure and fresh nose with almonds, brioche, lemon, chalky stony aromas, light rose, vanilla and strawberry. Beautifully nuanced and detailed palate with a super fine thread of acidity that fuses perfectly ripe fruit that is coated in a sheen of very smooth polished tannins. Delicate, seamless and long, crisp apple finish. Drink now.

92 Points - Vinous
The NV Brut Cuvee Ste.-Anne (base 2022) is terrific. I tasted it in the middle of the range after many of the single-vineyard Champagnes, but the wine did not suffer at all from its placement. If anything, this tasting reinforced by long-held view that the Ste.-Anne is one of the very finest grower Champagnes in its price range. This release, based on 2022, is brisk and energetic to its core. Citrus, white pepper, chalk, and floral top notes are finely cut. This is an especially brisk edition of the Ste-.Anne. Chardonnay planted on chalk increasingly plays a leading role in this bottling. Superb. Dosage is 2.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: October 2024.

91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Dark, rich and sensuous, this is a ripe Champagne, boasting pear and apricot flavors. Although the aftertaste appears dry, the richness gives it a very sumptuous mouthfeel, leaving a long, full aftertaste.

91 Points - Wine Advocate
Based on the 2018 vintage and disgorged in March 2021 with five grams per liter dosage, Chartogne's newly released NV Brut Sainte Anne reveals inviting aromas of pear, white peach, fresh bread and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming, it's seamless and enveloping, with a generous core of fruit, lively acids and a pillowy mousse. It's a lovely wine that wears its heart on its sleeve.

Product Size: 750ml