Benoît Dussot's Les Semblables Boréal R19 is a champagne of finesse and delicacy. It's an ideal cuvée for the aperitif.
Les Semblables Boréal R19 is made from the same plot as its false twin, Les Semblables Austral R19. The soil is the same (Kimmeridgian), the grape variety is the same, only the sun exposure differentiates them. Here, the grapes face due north. It's striking how diametrically opposed sun exposure can produce two very different champagnes.
Clandestin's Les Semblables Boréal R19 is a pure pinot noir from 20-35 year-old vines planted on limestone soil and Kimmeridgian subsoil typical of the Côte des Bar, at an altitude of 200 meters. Only grapes from the 2019 harvest have been used to make this cuvée.
At harvest time, the grapes are picked at optimum ripeness, then in the winery Benoît Dussot presses the bunches before vinifying and ageing the wines in oak barrels. Clandestin's cuvée Boréal R19 then spends 24 months in the company's cellars to develop its aromatic palette.
This cuvée has an attractive golden color and fine, lively bubbles.
The nose is very elegant, evoking notes of white flowers, then crisp fruit, underlined by a lovely freshness.
On the palate, Boréal R19 opens with a clean, dynamic attack, followed by a mid-palate of fruit notes, mineral freshness, well-integrated oak and elegance and finesse.
Boréal R19 is a champagne that's perfect for a gourmet aperitif or even the start of a meal with shellfish or a cold starter.
