Antoine Chevalier

Les Crochots 2022 - Coteaux Champenois Blanc | Bottle 75cl

Description

Cuvée Les Crochots 2022 from Champagne Antoine Chevalier is a confidential cuvée, a Coteaux Champenois white of great purity, made from Chardonnay grown biodynamically on the chalky terroirs of the Vitryat region. Matured without artifice, this non-sparkling cuvée reveals all the mineral power of its terroir, and is destined for lovers of fine, expressive white wines. Open with grilled fish or noble poultry with fresh herbs.

The making of Antoine Chevalier's Coteaux Champenois Les Crochots 2022

Located in the discreet but promising Vitryat region, "Les Crochots 2022" is the result of certified biodynamic viticulture, rigorously managed by Antoine Chevalier on 2.5 hectares of vines around Vitry-en-Perthois, Couvrot and Val-de-Vière. This still wine highlights a single parcel of Chardonnay planted on shallow limestone soils very similar to those of the Côte des Blancs.

Gentle pressing on a traditional Coquart press, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, ageing in old barrels, stoneware jars and stainless steel vats for 10 months: everything is done to preserve the natural expression of the grapes. No sulfur is added, and the wines are neither filtered nor fined. This meticulous attention to detail in the winemaking process enables the precise expression of the terroir's identity.

The 2022 vintage in the Vitryat region

2022 was a sunny and generous year in Champagne. In the Vitryat area, the grapes benefited from ideal ripening conditions, thanks to a good balance between warmth and cool nights. The Chardonnays were particularly well-balanced, ripe, taut and naturally acidic, offering a vibrant, chiselled profile perfectly suited to still wines. For Antoine Chevalier, this was a seminal year, demonstrating the potential of his terroirs for this type of winemaking.

Tasting the cuvée

• Color

  Pale gold, limpid and brilliant, with crystalline reflections.

• Nose

  The nose is expressive and intoxicating, carried by floral notes of jasmine and honeysuckle, mingled with stewed white fruit (pear, apple), underlined by a marked chalky minerality.

• Palate

  A silky, full-bodied texture, vitality and a persistent, saline texture. Aromas of preserved lemon, poached apple and dried herbs. Long, subtly smoky finish.

Pairing suggestions

Aperitif bites

• Sea bream tartar with citrus fruit
• Gougères with comté cheese
• Fine oysters

Dishes

• Steamed sea bass fillet with lemon beurre blanc
• Free-range poultry with fresh herbs
• White asparagus risotto

Desserts

• Apple tart
• Citrus salad with basil
• Fresh goat cheese and walnut bread

Antoine Chevalier Champagne Les Crochots 2022 bottle price

The price of the bottle of Les Crochots 2022 from Antoine Chevalier champagne is 56,95 €. A price justified by its confidential production, the quality of its craftsmanship and the purity of its expression of the Vitryat terroir.

Opinions on the "Les Crochots 2022 du champagne Antoine Chevalier" vintage

Enthusiasts praise the mineral freshness of this Coteaux Champenois, its pure expression of Chardonnay and its Burgundian character. Many note its ability to surprise even discerning palates. Reviews of "Les Crochots 2022 du champagne Antoine Chevalier" vintage

How to store this wine

This wine should be stored in a cool, dark, stable place (10-12°C) for 4 to 7 years. It will gain in smoothness, complexity and roundness over time, while preserving its taut minerality.

Why offer this wine?

Cuvée Les Crochots 2022 is an ideal gift for a lover of great terroir whites, rare, confidential and committed to virtuous viticulture. It's also an excellent way to showcase Champagne in a different way.

Anecdote about this cuvée

Antoine Chevalier had never made wine before 2019. In just a few vintages, he has become one of Vitryat's rising stars. This cuvée "Les Crochots" is a declaration of love to his terroir, which he vinifies less than 100 meters from the plot.