Pertois-Lebrun's Le Fond du Bateau No. 16 is an exceptional micro-cuvée, with only 1,530 bottles produced. This Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, from the prestigious Chouilly terroir, is a single-vineyard, single-vintage (2016) interpretation of great purity. Partially vinified in wood and aged for over seven years on slats, this Extra-Brut combines the chalkiness of the terroir with a subtle woody patina. It is a champagne for fine dining, unfiltered and unfined, which will delight lovers of rare and authentic wines.
The production of Fond du Bateau No. 16 Pertois-Lebrun
This champagne is 100% Chardonnay, made exclusively from the "tête de cuvée" (only the first pressings), a guarantee of finesse and purity. Vinification is a key stage in this cuvée: after alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, the wines are aged on fine lees for 10 months. This aging is divided between vats (54%) for freshness and oak barrels (46%) for complexity and structure. True to a natural approach, the wine undergoes no artificial clarification: no fining, no filtration.
The Terroir
The grapes come exclusively from the village of Chouilly, classified as Grand Cru in the Côte des Blancs. The "Le Fond du Bateau" locality is a specific plot that offers Chardonnays a unique expression, combining the chalky minerality typical of the area with a rich fruity and floral aroma.
Aging
This limited edition was bottled on July 18, 2017. The bottles then underwent a very long aging process on slats for 7.5 years in the cool cellars of the House. The disgorging, carried out on February 5, 2025, was followed by a minimalist dosage of Extra-Brut at 1 g/l, allowing the terroir and maturity of the wine to express themselves freely.
Edition No. 16 (Base 2016)
Although bearing the number 16, this cuvée reflects the 2016 harvest. This vintage year in Champagne, marked by a classic balance, allowed the Chardonnays of the Côte des Blancs to reach beautiful maturity while retaining a structuring acidity. The long aging on lees allowed this energy to mellow, resulting in a wine that is both taut and complex.
Tasting notes
Color
The color reveals a deep gold with brilliant highlights. The effervescence is very refined, a sign of long aging on lees.
Nose
The nose is complex and distinguished. It combines notes of ripe white fruit and candied citrus with hints of toast, brioche, and vanilla from aging in oak barrels.
Palate
On the palate, the attack is precise and the texture is full and silky. There is a perfect balance between the mineral tension of Chouilly and the roundness of the oak aging. The finish is long, salty, and very pure.
Food pairing suggestions
- Scallop carpaccio
- Roasted langoustines
- Hot oysters
- Turbot with hollandaise sauce
- Veal sweetbreads with morel mushrooms
- Poularde with cream sauce
- 30-month Comté
- Aged Parmesan
- Mature Langres
Storage and serving recommendations
How should this champagne be stored?
This rare cuvée is delivered in a plain bottle. It must be stored in total darkness to avoid light-induced flavors. Store it horizontally in a cool (10-12°C), stable cellar. Unfiltered, this lively wine deserves to rest after transport.
Aging potential
Le Fond du Bateau No. 16 is a wine made for aging. Its drinking window spans a decade:
- 2025–2028: The wine expresses its fullness, balancing the freshness of Chardonnay with the patina of wood.
- 2029–2032: It gains complexity, developing notes of dried fruit, honey, and sweet spices.
- From 2033 onwards: The cuvée reveals a deep maturity, with tertiary aromas of mocha and white truffle.
Serving suggestions
Serve this great Blanc de Blancs at a temperature of 10 to 12°C. A large white wine glass is recommended to allow the wine to breathe and reveal the nuances of its wood aging.
Anecdote about this cuvée
The name "Le Fond du Bateau" refers to the cadastral locality in Chouilly where the grapes come from. This evocative place name refers to the bowl-shaped plot, which acts as a receptacle for sunlight and water, promoting exceptional grape ripeness.
