Gaston Chiquet, Blancs de Blancs, d’Aÿ, Grand Cru, Champagne, France, NV

Overview of the Wine
Gaston Chiquet has made a name for itself as one of the best. In a region with thousands of small producers, it is a credit to owners Antoine and Nicolas Chiquet. Based in the evocatively named Dizy, the family first planted vines in 1746 but did not produce Champagne until 1935, when brothers Ferdinand and Gaston Chiquet took the bold step of setting up their own label, rather than merely selling grapes to the larger houses.

Sustainable.

Grape / Blend
100% Chardonnay

Origin
Champagne, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Vibrant yellow-green hue, fine mousse. Delicate and fruity nose: citrus, pineapple, grapefruit with a hint of lemon. Lively palate with the finesse of Chardonnay: citrus, white flowers, mandarin, fresh sage and long finish on freshness. Aperitif Champagne par excellence.

92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Disgorged in January 2019, the latest release of Gaston Chiquet's NV Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs d'Aÿ is showing beautifully, opening in the glass with scents of crisp yellow orchard fruit, white flowers, blanched almonds and fresh peach. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, bright and charming, with a succulent core of fruit, a delicate pinpoint mousse and a nicely defined finish. Elegant and expressive, this is a beautifully balanced Blanc de Blancs that would make for a perfect aperitif.

91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Aÿ is better known for its Pinot Noir, so it's rare to find a blanc de blancs. Made in a rich style, it's full of grapefruit, citrus and apricot flavors. It balances this with taut, crisp acidity to produce a full wine that retains the dancing quality of a blanc de blancs.

91 Points - Vinous
Green-gold. Sexy mineral-tinged aromas of ripe pear, nectarine, orange and buttered toast, with a hint of smokiness in the background; seems like there's some oak here but there's none. Smooth and fleshy on entry, then tighter in the middle, offering intense citrus and orchard fruit flavors underscored by a gingery nuance. Closes sappy and long, with building floral character and firm mineral bite. This Champagne was made entirely from 2009 fruit but belies that vintage's warm growing conditions.

Product size: 750ml