The Coteaux Champenois
The Coteaux Champenois are AOC wines since 1974. Formerly called “natural wines”, they can be red, white or rosé and are the descendants of still wines which in the old days competed with Burgundy wines.
Their production is very low because they are deducted from the quotas used to make Champagne. The grapes varieties used are the same as for Champagne: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. As for Champagne, each terroir is expressed differently in each Coteaux Champenois.
I. Coteaux Champenois Red
100% Pinot Noir or 100% Pinot Meunier or in a blend
The best known is the red Bouzy but we can also help you to discover: Ambonnay Rouge, Cumière rouge, Vertus rouge, Mailly rouge, Ay rouge (including the famous Côte aux Enfants), Les Riceys Rouge, Ludes rouge…
The red Coteaux Champenois wine has a pale garnet color. The nose is greedy, original. It opens with notes of black fruits like blueberry, blackcurrant and blackberry. Fruity notes of English candy are also present thanks to aromatic touches brought by aging, such as cocoa, but without opulence or heaviness. It has a very typical nose of pinot ; in this case we say that the wine “pinote”. On the palate, the attack is fine and light, the mid-palate is round, caressing, the substance has real density and very fine tannins. The aromatic goes more towards fruit notes. It is a wine that will withstand storage for a maximum of 8 years. It is pleasant with white meats, poultry or ideal with cold cuts. It is served at a temperature of 13 ° C.
II. The Coteaux Champenois white
Mainly 100% Chardonnay.
(Bouzy white, Ludes white, Avize white, Riceys white) But thanks to the curiosity of Champagne, you can also get them in a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier; and even 100% Pinot Noir. And why not from old grapes varieties!
Bouzy blanc, Ludes blanc, Avize blanc, Les Riceys blanc…
The white Coteaux Champenois wine is a surprising wine, its color is pale gold with beautiful green reflections. The nose is astonishing, very marked by Chardonnay, which mainly enters the blend. Nice primary notes of citrus, grapefruit, lemon; secondary aromas, milky, on butter and brioche; the tertiary notes of aging are very clearly on toasted hazelnuts. On the palate, it is a real wine, the attack is fine and delicate, the material unfolds slowly and reveals depth and finesse, very beautiful structure well balanced with acid support. It is a very good white wine which has to be known. It will be wonderful on seafood, served at 10 ° C. Cellaring capacity up to more than 10 years, for the best vintages.
III. The Coteaux Champenois Roses
Mainly Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier
The rosé Coteaux Champenois wine is very rare, it is similar to the Riceys rosé, it is a wine with a salmon color, the nose is on bright red berries. The palate is delicate, greedy and greedy, with a beautiful liveliness. It goes very well on the grill.