Champagne Gaston Chiquet 2008 Reserve Blanc de Blancs 1.5L

Produced in magnums only. This is one of only two all-Chardonnay Champagnes made from Ay vineyards.

Vibrant yellow-green hue, fine mousse. Delicate, fruity nose: citrus, pear, honey with a touch of oxidation. Lively palate with the finesse of Chardonnay, good balance and long finish. An aperitif Champagne for special occasions.

Blend: 100% Chardonnay.

Terroir: A unique blend made exclusively from white Chardonnay grapes grown around the village of Aÿ, an area dedicated to red grapes.

Soil: Clay and limestone on belemnitella quadrata chalk. This chalk variety stores and radiates solar heat, maximizes drainage of excess water and retains humidity in summer. It stores the principal minerals that give the grapes their high ester content. 

Harvest: Grapes harvested by hand in September, transported in vented crates. Hydraulic presses of 4,000 kg.

Vinification: By parcel. Static settling 15 to 20 hours. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, tartaric stabilization in small-volume, temperature-controlled tanks during 3 to 4 months. Bottled 4 to 6 months after harvest. Aged on lees 8 years on average.

Volume: 1,500 ml magnums.

Alcohol content: 12.5% vol.

Dosage: 8 g/l.
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Eight generations have passed since Nicolas CHIQUET planted his first vine in 1746. In 1919, brothers Fernand and Gaston CHIQUET – winemakers born and bred – came together to create their house, CHIQUET Brothers. They were pioneers in Champagne, among the very first winemakers to take the initiative, bold at the time, to keep their grapes, turn them into Champagne and sell their own product. In 1923, they were awarded their first medal in PARIS, then their gold medal in EPERNAY.  In 1935, Gaston CHIQUET separated from his brother to create his own brand. At the beginning of the 1950s, Gaston CHIQUET and his son Claude extended the family domain into the areas of Aÿ and Hautvillers, bringing new blending possibilities. In turn, Claude CHIQUET and his sons, Antoine and Nicolas, ensure continuity by complying with the family rule: “Our primary goal is to maintain the quality standards of our heritage.” While the techniques have been improved, the tradition remains the same.  In 2003, Antoine and Nicolas CHIQUET’s turn. These brothers assure continuity while respecting their ancestral rules. The techniques improve – the tradition endures  Today, for over 80 years, the brand Champagne Gaston Chiquet is still lead by the family.  The two brothers and the next generation, Marion Chiquet (Antoine’s daughter) work 23 hectares of vineyards situated primarily in the precious perimeter of Dizy, Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Hautvillers. The three grape varieties used in Champagne are cultivated in the following proportions: Chardonnay 50%, Pinot Meunier 30%, Pinot noir 20%.