Champagne Blanc de Sable 2021 from Champagne Vincent Cuillier is a Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature from a unique terroir located in Trigny, in the heart of the Massif de Saint-Thierry. This 100% Chardonnay comes from a plot in a forest enclosure called "Au-dessus de Résilvat," where the vines thrive in a preserved environment.
Production of the 2021 Blanc de Sable Champagne
The Blanc de Sable 2021 cuvée illustrates Vincent Cuillier's quest for balance and transparency in his wines. Every step, from working the vines to vinification, is based on respect for living things and an understanding of the terroir.
The Trigny terroir – "Au-dessus de Résilvat"
The Trigny plot, located at an altitude of 180 meters, rests on Thanetian sands. This type of light, well-drained soil gives the Chardonnay a natural tension and great aromatic purity. The roots grow deep to capture moisture and mineral salts, ensuring a balanced diet. The vines are planted at a density of 9,000 vines per hectare, using massal and clonal selection to promote genetic diversity and complexity in the juice.
The plot is part of a wooded enclosure: a rich plant environment where trees and vines coexist. This configuration creates a specific microclimate, mitigating temperature variations and enhancing biodiversity. The vines, which have been rooted here for several decades, express all the minerality of the sand and the liveliness of the Saint-Thierry Massif. The yield is deliberately limited to 6,000 kg/ha to preserve the aromatic concentration and density of the grapes.
Regenerative viticulture
Blanc de Sable 2021 is the result of regenerative viticulture, without the use of chemicals. The soil, considered a living organism, is maintained with minimal work and natural grass cover. This method of cultivation enhances microbial life, improves soil structure, and stimulates the resilience of the vines. The forest ecosystem surrounding the plot acts as a natural regulator, contributing to water stability and the overall health of the vineyard.
This approach aims to promote a sustainable balance between the vines, the soil, and the climate. It is based on observation and adaptation rather than intervention.
Vinification
The grapes were harvested manually at full ripeness, with rigorous plot selection. Alcoholic fermentation took place spontaneously thanks to indigenous yeasts, without the addition of sulfur or sugar. Malolactic fermentation was carried out naturally according to the balance of the vintage, bringing roundness and complexity without altering the freshness.
The wine was aged for 10 months in two-wine barrels, on fine lees, without stirring. This precise and measured aging allows the Chardonnay to develop nuances of dried fruit and white flowers, while retaining the saline tension characteristic of the terroir. After bottling, the cuvée rested for 42 months on lees in the estate's cellars. Disgorging is followed by a minimum of 6 months of rest before release.
The Brut Nature dosage (0 g/L) reveals the wine's pure and chiseled profile, without any intervention in the taste. Each stage of the winemaking process emphasizes precision and a direct interpretation of the terroir.
2021 vintage profile
The 2021 vintage is expressed here in its purest form. The Chardonnays from the Massif de Saint-Thierry offer great freshness and a delicate floral expression. This wine reflects the winemaker's mastery in managing ripeness and adapting natural fermentations. Its balanced structure and minerality make it a champagne of great verticality.
Tasting notes for Blanc de Sable 2021
Color
The color is a light gold with a slight silver hue and bright highlights. The effervescence is fine, continuous, and regular, indicating long aging on lees.
Nose
The nose reveals distinct aromas of white fruit, citrus zest, and dried flowers. Mineral and slightly smoky nuances reflect the sandy nature of the soil and natural fermentation in barrels.
Palate
The palate is distinguished by its straightforward, crystalline tension. The attack is clean, followed by a full mid-palate expressing notes of almond, chalk, and candied lemon. The long, salty finish evokes the minerality of the terroir and the energy of Chardonnay.
Serving suggestions
- Fine oysters
- Sea bass tartare with citrus fruits
- Jerusalem artichoke soup with truffle shavings
- Roasted Bresse chicken
- Pikeperch fillet with brown butter
- Wild mushroom risotto
- Mature Comté
- Slightly creamy Tomme
- Brie de Meaux
Storage and serving tips
Storage
Blanc de Sable 2021 should be stored in a cool cellar at a temperature of between 10 and 12°C, away from vibrations and light. Bottles should be stored horizontally to maintain the moisture in the cork and ensure harmonious development.
Aging potential
This champagne has an aging potential of 5 to 8 years. Over time, it will develop more complex aromas of dried fruit, honey, and brioche, while retaining a mineral and straightforward structure.
Serving
Serve between 10 and 14°C in a tulip-shaped white wine glass. This temperature preserves the tension and allows the Chardonnay to express its full complexity.
