Balance and precision are the hallmarks of Le Fond du Bateau No. 13, a single-vineyard cuvée produced exclusively from the eponymous vineyard in Chouilly, a Grand Cru village in the Côte des Blancs. Created by Pertois-Lebrun, this 100% Chardonnay cuvée combines aromatic generosity and mineral tension in a full-bodied, structured style.
An iconic Chardonnay terroir
Le Fond du Bateau No. 13 comes from a 1.44-hectare plot located in the Grand Cru terroir of Chouilly, planted in 1955 by Paul Pertois, grandfather of the current winemakers. Facing east, this plot enjoys ideal exposure for Chardonnay, which flourishes on the chalky soils typical of the Côte des Blancs.
Viticulture is environmentally friendly, with mechanical soil cultivation, organic treatments, and a biodynamic approach (aromatherapy, respect for living organisms).
Precision work in the cellar
This cuvée is from the 2013 harvest. Only the first pressings (cuvées) are used. Alcoholic fermentation took place at 17°C and malolactic fermentation was carried out. The wine was aged for 10 months, divided between stainless steel vats (53%) and oak barrels (47%). No fining or filtration was carried out in order to preserve the wine's authenticity.
Bottling took place in July 2014, followed by nine years of aging on lees before disgorging. The dosage is extra-brut at 2 g/l, allowing the terroir to express itself purely.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Le Fond du Bateau No. 13 champagne has a bright, light yellow color, punctuated by fine, persistent bubbles.
Nose
The nose is expressive, with notes of ripe citrus, green apple and exotic fruits (lychee, pineapple), accompanied by vanilla and toasted aromas and a touch of liquorice typical of Chouilly chalk.
Palate
The attack is supple and fresh, then the wine opens up on a full-bodied and ample palate. A beautiful consistency, a lingering tangy freshness and a very pronounced mineral and chalky finish make this a complex and elegant champagne.
Serving suggestions
- Comté cheese gougères
- Scallops seared in citrus butter
- Lime sea bream tartare
- Poularde with cream and mushrooms
- Sea bass and crayfish casserole with champagne sauce
- Mild Thai vegetable curry
- Thin caramelized apple tart
- Mature cheese such as Cantal or Parmesan
- Lemon and vanilla cheesecake
The price of Le Fond du Bateau No. 13
The price of a bottle of Pertois-Lebrun Le Fond du Bateau No. 13 Champagne is 74,95 £GB. Produced in very limited quantities (2,186 bottles), this gourmet cuvée will appeal to lovers of distinguished champagnes and exceptional terroirs.
Reviews of Le Fond du Bateau
This cuvée has received numerous accolades: 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 serving
This Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru champagne can be enjoyed now to appreciate its liveliness and complexity, or cellared for 7 to 10 years to reveal more developed aromas. Serve between 50°F and 60°F in a tulip glass to appreciate its finesse.
Anecdote about this cuvée
The "Le Fond du Bateau" vineyard is an iconic plot of the Pertois-Lebrun estate. Planted in 1955 by grandfather Paul Pertois, it produced the first single-vineyard cuvée in the "Les Fidèles" collection, paying tribute to the family roots and living heritage of the Côte des Blancs.
