Champagne De Venoge'sGrand Vin des Princes Blanc de Blancs 2015 pays tribute to the prestigious cuvées created by the house inthe 19th century. Made entirely from Chardonnay grands crus from the Côte des Blancs, it embodies the nobility of the De Venoge style: purity, balance, and refinement. Presented in its iconic bottle inspired by crystal decanters, this 2015 vintage combines chalky freshness and aromatic depth.
The cuvée is produced in a limited edition (5,280 bottles) and aged on lees for over seven years before disgorging. The result is a silky texture, delicate bubbles, and a precise, salty finish.
The production of Champagne De Venoge Grand Vin des Princes Blanc de Blancs 2015
This 2015 vintage seeks to reveal the quintessence of Champagne Chardonnay: integrity, brilliance, and floral delicacy. Fermentation in temperature-controlled vats preserves the natural tension and mineral precision of the crus.
- Chardonnay (100%) brings freshness, brightness, and purity, supported by a chalky texture of great finesse.
The terroir
The grapes come from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs (Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Avize, and Cramant), a limestone terroir renowned for its deep chalky soils and its ability to produce taut, aromatic Chardonnays. The east-facing vines benefit from morning sunshine and a temperate microclimate that promotes balanced ripeness and elegant acidity.
Vinification
Vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to preserve the precision of the fruit. Complete malolactic fermentation to soften the structure and coat the acidity. Extended aging on lees for over 7 years before disgorging to develop texture and complexity. Brut dosage: 5 g/L, ideal for preserving the purity of the Chardonnay while adding a touch of roundness.
The 2015 vintage
A sunny and generous year, 2015 produced ripe, concentrated Chardonnays that are both rich and balanced. In the Côte des Blancs, the cool August nights helped preserve acidity and refine the aromas. This vintage combines amplitude and tension, revealing a wine that is full-bodied, precise, and long. The 2015 Grand Vin des Princes cuvée is a masterful interpretation of this, where the maturity of the fruit meets the minerality of the terroir.
Tasting notes
Color
Bright light gold with green highlights. Fine, regular effervescence. Luminous appearance heralding the freshness of Chardonnay.
Nose
Notes of acacia blossom, lemon zest, and fresh apple. After aeration, nuances of hazelnut, wet chalk, and light brioche appear. Refined, precise, and balanced overall.
Palate
Straightforward and slender attack. Chiseled and satiny texture. White fruits, citrus and saline tension. Long, pure and delicately chalky finish, typical of the Côte des Blancs.
Pairing suggestions
The purity of the Chardonnay and the finesse of the bubbles call for understated pairings based on freshness and precision. The fine textures and iodine flavors reveal the elegance of the 2015 vintage.
- Fine oysters
- Sea bream tartare
- Mini blinis with caviar
- Pan-fried scallops
- Roasted sea bass with candied lemon
- Truffled Bresse chicken
- Light lemon tart
- Honey-poached apple
- Champagne sabayon
Storage and serving
Storing this cuvée
Store at 10–11°C in a dark, stable, and slightly humid cellar. Store bottles horizontally to preserve the cork. Handle the bottle with care and protect it from light.
Ageing potential
Optimal window: 2025–2038. 2025–2028: fresh tension and vibrant fruit. 2029–2033: buttery notes, toasted almonds, and brioche. 2034–2038: tertiary complexity, honey, hazelnut, and chalky depth. 2015 has the density necessary to age beautifully for a decade or more.
How to serve this champagne?
Serve at 9–10°C in a tulip or universal glass with a narrow bowl. Avoid decanting. Let it breathe for a few minutes before tasting to release the floral aromas and minerality.
