The AOC Coteaux champenois may be followed by the name of the commune of origin.This is the case for red wines from the communes of Bouzy (the most famous), in Pinot noir Grand-cru, but also Ay, Sillery, Cumières, Vertus, and for white wines from Chouilly or Le Mesnil.A total of 635 communes are involved.
The wines
Mainly made as red wines, they also exist as dry white wines, and more rarely as dry rosé. They are vinified from the same grape varieties (Chardonnay, Meunier, Pinot noir, Petit meslier, Arbane, Pinot blanc and Pinot gris) as Champagne and planted on the same terroirs.
On this terroir of chalky, mainly chalky soils, we find the damp, cool conditions of the Champagne climate. The wine here derives its finesse from the subtle combination of humidity and chalky soil.The perfect exposure to the sun makes this a vineyard that produces exceptional wines. ) The wines are aged at least until August 15th of the year following the harvest. These are rare wines, as production is low.In the event of a grape shortage, the entire harvest is reserved for champagne production.
One of the best-known AOC Coteaux-Champenois wines is Maison Bollinger's Cuvée "La côte aux enfants" 2014, aged for 8 months in small oak barrels, from a single 4-hectare plot of Pinot Noir in the Grand Cru d'Aÿ, as well as Domaine d'Egly-Ouriet's Cuvée Ambonnay Rouge 2017, with an explosive nose of fruit and a full, rich mouthfeel. A great Pinot Noir!
Tasting
These wines are generally best drunk young, except for a few reds in exceptional vintages.The appellation's red wines are light, very elegant and precise, with aromas of red fruits such as raspberry and cherry.They are supple on the palate, with easy tannins.
The white wines are dry, light, lively and fresh, with notes of mirabelle plums and honey. In the past, they were known as "Vin Nature de la Champagne".
Rosé wines, on the other hand, are much rarer.
Food and wine pairings:
For reds, the ideal pairing is charcuterie, grilled red meats, rocket and spinach pizza or mild cheeses.
Enjoy with white Côteaux-Champenois, trout rillettes with almonds, grilled fish, seafood or white meat.
