The S.A. Nowack Extra Brut cuvée expresses the geological identity of the Vandières terroir, in the heart of the Marne Valley. This bottle (75 cl) reveals an aromatic profile focused on tertiary notes, designed for gourmet dining.
This champagne breaks away from the region’s usual standards. Winemaker Flavien Nowack guides this production with no artificial touches: aging exclusively in wooden barrels, uncompromising winemaking, and a character that makes an immediate impression.
The Production of S.A. Nowack Extra Brut Champagne
The Terroir
The estate cultivates a ten-hectare family vineyard, with all of its plots surrounding the village of Vandières. The slopes rest on sandy and clay-limestone soils. Mechanical pruning and shallow plowing force the roots to dig deep, drawing a distinct tension from the chalk buried beneath the clay.
The southeast exposure promotes early phenolic ripening. The winemaker has been applying the principles of biodynamic viticulture since 2016, though the estate does not carry a certification label. This cultivation method excludes all synthetic herbicides. The natural vegetation cover shelters beneficial wildlife and revitalizes the soil’s microbial life.
Winemaking
The blend consists of 60% Pinot Meunier, complemented by 40% Chardonnay. Alcoholic fermentation begins spontaneously thanks to indigenous yeasts, and malolactic fermentation occurs naturally in the cellar, lending roundness to the wine.
All of the free-run wine ferments in Burgundy oak barrels. The absence of fining preserves the wine’s natural proteins; clarification is achieved through tartaric cold stabilization. Twenty-five percent of reserve wines are incorporated into the blend via a solera system housed in a 50-hectoliter cask that has been in use since 2012.
Bottling took place in the spring of 2021, using crown caps. The bottles rested on racks for thirty-six months. Disgorgement, carried out in September 2024, required no addition of liqueur: the label states that no dosage was added.
The Base Year
The non-vintage Brut category allows for the blending of multiple vintages. The foundation of this bottle is the 2023 harvest, marked by successive heat waves. The growing season was shortened, bringing the harvest date forward to August.
The vines’ deep root systems protected them from drought. The berries developed high skin concentration, while cool nights preserved their natural acidity. The harvesters gathered healthy, golden clusters; table sorting removed any shriveled berries.
Tasting Notes for the Extra Brut S.A. Nowack
Appearance
The wine reveals a luminous straw-yellow color, enlivened by delicate coppery highlights. The glass displays a steady stream of bubbles.
Nose
The initial nose releases ripe aromas of poached pear. Aging in oak adds distinct toasty notes. As it opens up, subtle hints of almond and honey emerge.
Palate
The attack on the palate is supported by a structured, vinous framework. The velvety texture caresses the taste buds with creaminess. The absence of sweetness extends a chalky, austere, and persistent finish.
Pairing Suggestions
- Gougères with 24-month-aged Comté
- Iberian Bellota Ham
- Toasts with black truffle
- Loire pikeperch with butter
- Oven-roasted milk-fed veal
- Risotto with fresh porcini mushrooms
- Slice of Aged Salers Cheese
- Farm-style Chaource made with cow's milk
- Thin pear tart
The Expert’s Opinion: More Bubbles
This bottle exemplifies the unique character of the right bank of the Marne. Oxidative aging refines the wine with remarkable precision, resulting in a vinous palate dominated by ripe fruit. This natural profile will delight palates accustomed to non-dosage wines. Discover other non-dosage cuvées in our range. These cuvées, with their aromatic freshness, pair beautifully with food.
Storage and Serving Recommendations
How should this champagne be stored?
Delivery is made in our secure shipping boxes. Upon receipt, the bottle must be stored horizontally in a room maintained at cellar temperature. Avoiding exposure to light prevents a “light-struck” taste. A humidity level of seventy percent preserves the integrity of the cork.
Aging Potential
The wine’s liveliness ensures a slow evolution in the glass. The recent removal of yeasts guarantees the longevity of the effervescence.
- Tasting this year: The wine expresses notes of candied citrus.
- Three-Year Outlook: The profile develops roasted aromas.
- After five years: The wine’s maturation reveals nuances of forest floor.
Serving Recommendations
The bottle should be chilled to 10 degrees Celsius by gradually cooling it in the refrigerator—the thermal shock of an ice bucket would freeze the aromas. A flared tulip glass optimizes the olfactory experience. Letting the wine breathe for five minutes in a flute allows it to open up.
Trivia about this vintage
Flavien Nowack regularly tests the impact of the closure on the wine’s aging potential. Between 2015 and 2018, three years of comparative trials pitted the cork against the crown cap. The estate manager ultimately approved the use of the metal closure, which eliminates inconsistencies caused by variations in the cork. This quest for consistency characterizes all of the estate’s wines.
