Description & elaboration
The Millésime 2018 cuvée from Franck Bonville is a Blanc de blancs champagne sourced exclusively from the Grand Cru village of Avize, on the Côte des Blancs. It is a champagne of vineyard peach, fresh citrus and golden brioche — a true reflection of a sun-drenched vintage and a long ageing in the cellar. On the palate, the texture is silky, carried through to a chalky, saline finish that is the hallmark of the Avize terroir. A champagne crafted by Olivier Bonville in the tradition of a family savoir-faire passed down through the generations, in very limited quantities.
The Terroir
The grapes come from the village of Avize, classified Grand Cru on the Côte des Blancs. The subsoil is composed of outcropping chalky limestone, which acts as a natural water reserve: the roots reach deep into the geological substrate to draw moisture even during the driest summers. This chalky soil imparts the wine's fresh structure and mineral signature.
The hillside exposure promotes excellent grape ripeness, while Champagne's northerly climate preserves the Chardonnay's natural acidity. The estate manages its plots within a certified sustainable viticulture framework, with practices that respect the local ecosystem.
The winemaking
This wine, made exclusively from Chardonnay, is crafted by Olivier Bonville. It is a Blanc de blancs that is truly typical of its geographical area. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, after which Olivier Bonville carries out a full malolactic fermentation, which refines the final texture without erasing the tension of the terroir.
The wine rests for 72 months on laths in the estate's chalky cellars. This extended ageing develops aromas of brioche and toasted bread. The Extra-Brut dosage is set at 5 g/L, a deliberately low level that allows the mineral tension of Avize to express itself freely. The wine is aged exclusively in stainless steel tanks, with no wood, to preserve the purity of the fruit.
The 2018 vintage
The year 2018 was characterised by exceptionally sunny weather. A rainy winter replenished the water reserves in the marly soils, followed by a spring of rapid vegetative growth that was spared the late April frosts. High summer temperatures ensured the vines were in perfect health.
The Avize Chardonnay reached full ripeness by the end of August, with a sugar-acid balance well suited to wines with ageing potential. The harvest offered an aromatic concentration marked by the warmth of the season. On the palate, the vintage's generous body is balanced by the saline tension of the chalky terroir.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
The colour is a pale gold with green highlights. A fine, persistent bead rises continuously through the glass.
Nose
Aeration releases intense aromas of vineyard peach. Brioche notes gradually emerge, underpinned by discreet hints of candied citrus.
Palate
The attack is marked by a silky texture, reflecting the sunny concentration of the vintage. The finish is long, with a very distinct chalky signature.
Food Pairing Suggestions
- Aged Comté gougères
- Smoked salmon toasts
- White truffle tarama
- Roasted blue lobster
- Veal sweetbreads with morels
- Grilled line-caught sea bass
- Comté aged 24 months
- Creamy Chaource
- Thin peach tart
The Plus de Bulles Expert's Opinion
Why I love it
I particularly appreciate the sunny generosity of this cuvée, driven by notes of yellow and exotic fruits. On the palate, the fresh, taut backbone of the Chardonnay beautifully underlines the complexity and depth of Avize.
My recommendation
Serve this champagne at 8–10 °C in a wine glass to allow its aromatic complexity and tension to fully express themselves.
Also worth discovering: a prized vintage gem from the Côte des Blancs.
Practical Advice
How to store this champagne?
Plus de Bulles ships this bottle (75 cl) in reinforced packaging specially designed for transporting champagne. Once received, we recommend storing the bottle on its side, away from light — ideally in a cellar, or at the very least in a cool, not overly dry place with a relatively stable temperature.
Ageing Potential
The Millésime 2018 from Franck Bonville will evolve over time to reveal increasingly complex aromas. Its structure ensures an ageing potential of approximately fifteen to twenty years.
- Until 2030: the wine expresses notes of fresh citrus and vineyard peach. The energy of the Chardonnay carries the effervescence with great vibrancy. The tension of the terroir dominates the gustatory profile.
- From 2031: the aromatic profile shifts towards pastry notes. Hints of fresh butter and sweet almond begin to emerge. Over time, the texture on the palate gradually softens.
- Around 2038: the wine reaches its advanced maturity phase. Aromas of dried fruits, honey and wax dominate the bouquet. Tertiary notes develop without erasing the freshness of the grape variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this wine well chilled, after cooling in an ice bucket for around thirty minutes. A tulip glass encourages the wine to breathe and reveals the nuances drawn from the chalky Champagne soils. Avoid placing it in the freezer, as this would destroy the vintage's delicate aromas.
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