Pertois-Lebrun

Le Fond du Bateau N°13 | Bottle 75cl

Description

Balance and precision are the watchwords of Le Fond du Bateau n°13, a plot-based cuvée made exclusively from the eponymous lieu-dit in Chouilly, a Grand Cru of the Côte des Blancs. Designed by Pertois-Lebrun, this 100% Chardonnay cuvée combines aromatic generosity and mineral tension in a full-bodied, structured style.

A terroir emblematic of Chardonnay

Cuvée Le Fond du Bateau n°13 comes from a 1.44-hectare parcel on the Grand Cru terroir of Chouilly, planted in 1955 by Paul Pertois, grandfather of today's winemakers. Facing east, this parcel enjoys an ideal exposure for Chardonnay, which flourishes on the chalky soils typical of the Côte des Blancs.

The viticulture is respectful of the environment, with mechanical working of the soil, organic treatments and a biodynamic approach (aromatherapy, respect for living organisms).

Precision work in the cellar

This cuvée is made from the 2013 harvest. Only the first presses (cuvées) are used. Alcoholic fermentation took place at 17°C and malolactic fermentation was carried out. Aging lasted 10 months, divided between stainless steel tanks (53%) and oak barrels (47%). No fining or filtration was carried out, to preserve the wine's authenticity.

The wine was bottled in July 2014, and aged for 9 years on its lees before disgorging. The extra-brut dosage is set at 2 g/l, for a pure expression of terroir.

Tasting the cuvée

• Color

  Champagne Le Fond du Bateau n°13 is a brilliant light yellow, punctuated by fine, persistent bubbles.

• Nose

  The nose is expressive, with notes of ripe citrus, green apple and exotic fruit (lychee, pineapple), accompanied by vanilla, toast and a touch of licorice typical of Chouilly chalk.

• Palate

  A supple, fresh attack, followed by a full, fleshy palate. A beautiful consistency, a persistent acidic freshness and a marked mineral and chalky finish make this a complex, elegant champagne.

Pairing suggestions

Aperitif bites

• Gougères with comté cheese
• Snacked scallops with citrus butter
• Sea bream tartar with lime

Dishes

• Octopus with cream and mushrooms
• Sea bass and crayfish cassolette with champagne sauce
• Mild Thai vegetable curry

Desserts

• Thin tart with caramelized apples
• Mature cantal or parmesan cheese
• Lemon-vanilla cheesecake

Le Fond du Bateau n°13 price list

The price of the bottle of Champagne Pertois-Lebrun Le Fond du Bateau n°13 is 85,50 €. Produced in very limited quantities(2186 bottles), this gourmet cuvée will appeal to lovers of racy champagnes and exceptional terroirs.

Opinions on Le Fond du Bateau

This cuvée has been highly praised: 93/100 by Essi Avellan (Grower Champagne Report 2024), and scores between 90 and 95/100 by the Gault & Millau, Bettane+Desseauve and Guia Melendo guides. Read reviews of Le Fond du Bateau.

Storage and service

This Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru champagne can be enjoyed now for its liveliness and complexity, or kept for up to 7-10 years to reveal more mature aromas. Serve between 9 and 11°C in a tulip-shaped glass to appreciate all its finesse.

Anecdote about this cuvée

Le Fond du Bateau" is an emblematic parcel of the Pertois-Lebrun estate. Planted in 1955 by grandfather Paul Pertois, it gave birth to the first parcel-based cuvée in the "Les Fidèles" collection, paying tribute to the family roots and living heritage of the Côte des Blancs.