Benoît Dussot's Les Semblables Boréal R18 is a champagne of finesse and delicacy. It's an ideal cuvée for the aperitif.
Les Semblables Boréal R18 is made from the same plot as its false twin, Les Semblables Austral R18. The soil is the same (Kimmeridgian), the grape variety is the same, only the sun exposure differentiates them. It's striking how diametrically opposed sun exposure can produce two very different champagnes.
Clandestin's Les Semblables Boréal R18 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 2018 harvest were used to make this cuvée.
At harvest time, the grapes are picked at optimum maturity, then in the winery Benoît Dussot presses the bunches before vinifying and ageing the wines in oak barrels. Clandestin's cuvée Boréal R18 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, with hints of stone fruit and a touch of dried fruit on the second nose. The freshness of the terroir is clearly present.
On the palate, Cuvée Boréal R18 opens with a lovely, frank and dynamic attack, followed by a luscious mid-palate, with a touch of mouthfeel provided by well-integrated oak. There are beautiful fruit notes and always this elegance and finesse.
Boréal R18 is a champagne that's perfect for a gourmet aperitif or even the start of a meal with shellfish or a cold starter.
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