Vazart-Coquart

Grand Bouquet 2018 | Bottle 75cl

Description

The 2018 Grand Bouquet cuvée from Vazart-Coquart is a floral and refined expression of the Chouilly terroir. Jean-Pierre Vazart has created an exceptional Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, meticulously selected from the estate's two best plots: "Le Mont Aigu" and "La Cerisière." Aged for six years in the cool cellars, this 2018 vintage combines the aromatic power of a sunny year with the chalky freshness typical of the Côte des Blancs. An Extra-Brut champagne (3.5 g/L), certified High Environmental Value, which will appeal to lovers of precision and elegance.

The making of Grand Bouquet 2018

This champagne is 100% Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs) sourced exclusively from the village of Chouilly, classified as Grand Cru. The grapes come from vines that are 45 years old on average, deeply rooted in a subsoil of Belemnite chalk, which guarantees minerality.

A Selection of Parcels

The uniqueness of this cuvée lies in its origin: it is the result of a blend of two renowned lieux-dits:

• Le Mont Aigu: Provides structure and power.
• La Cerisière: Offers finesse and aromatic elegance.

Vinification

Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to preserve the purity of the fruit. Malolactic fermentation is partial, a technical choice that allows the wine to retain a vibrant tension while adding a slight roundness. Cellared in May 2019, the wine rested on lees for six years. The dosage is Extra-Brut (3.5 g/L), highlighting the wine's natural freshness.

The 2018 vintage

2018 was an exceptional year in Champagne, characterized by a healthy, sun-drenched harvest. On the Chouilly terroir, this resulted in Chardonnays with great aromatic richness, expressing a "powerful charm" while retaining the freshness inherent in the chalky subsoil.

Tasting notes

• Color

  The color is a pale, luminous gold, traversed by a string of fine, regular bubbles, evidence of long aging on slats.

• Nose

  The nose lives up to its name, "Bouquet." It is open and complex, blending notes of white flowers (acacia), candied citrus, and ripe white fruits, with a delicate pastry touch brought on by six years of cellaring.

• Palate

  On the palate, there is a perfect balance between power and freshness. The texture is smooth, almost creamy (typical of Chouilly), but immediately held together by a mineral tension. The finish is long, salty, and very digestible thanks to the low dosage.

Serving suggestions

Starters

• Scallop carpaccio
• Sea bream tartare with lime
• Hot oysters with champagne

Main courses

• Turbot with mousseline sauce
• Braised sweetbreads
• Bresse chicken with cream sauce

Cheeses and Desserts

• 24-month aged Comté
• Creamy Chaource
• Thin Mirabelle plum tart

Storage and serving recommendations

Aging potential

This wine is designed to be enjoyed for its fruitiness and natural vibrancy:

• 2025–2028: The wine is at its peak, combining white flowers and mineral freshness (phase of fullness).
• 2029–2031: It begins to develop more brioche, honey, and dried fruit notes (Evolution phase).
• Beyond 2032: Reserved for lovers of complex gastronomic wines, with notes of undergrowth and roasting (Complexity phase).

Serving suggestions

Serve this Grand Cru between 10°C and 12°C. Do not serve it too cold, as this will "break" its aromatic bouquet. A flared white wine glass is ideal.

Anecdote about this cuvée

The name "Grand Bouquet" is not only a reference to the floral aromas of Chardonnay. It also evokes the generosity of the Champagne region's hospitality. This is the house's signature cuvée, the one we open to offer the best of our land, just as we would offer a large bouquet of freshly cut flowers.