NV Agrapart Blanc de Blancs Experience Brut Nature 20
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Tasting notes
First made it privately in 2003–2006 inclusive. Uses grape juice (not sugar) for second fermentation, and native yeast even for the second fermentation – unlike his other cuvées. Then he showed it to the CIVC, customers and the INAO. Of them, only the INAO approved of its naturalness. Partly grapes from the Minéral and Avizois cuvées in barrel. Also made in 2007, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Just 2,000 bottles. This blend is based on 2014. Recently disgorged. No added sugar or water to multiply the yeast. Very interesting departure. Pascal Agrapart knows of other producers in Loire and Jura using the same technique. The usual six atmospheres of pressure. Zesty and very frank. More approachable than the 2013s. Really interesting. ‘A technical not terroir idea.’ (JR)
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Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Kristaps Karklins, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Based on the 2020 vintage, the new NV Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Exp. articulates aromas of red apple, pear and blanched almonds, mingled with subtle yeasty notes. Incisive and taut, it is enlivened by a pinpoint mousse and concludes with a sapid, mouthwatering finish. It is a lovely wine, though it lacks the depth and seamlessness of the other cuvées in the range and is best approached in the near term. As ever, this cuvée is produced without the addition of exogenous yeasts—relying instead on those naturally present on the grape skins and later in the juice—and without added sugar or dosage. Pressed, unfermented grape juice from the following harvest—2021 in the case of this 2020-based rendition (typically 15% to 20% of the volume, depending on the juice’s sugar concentration)—is added to the base wine to provide the equivalent of roughly 24 grams per liter of sugar, thereby triggering the secondary fermentation in bottle and forming the bubbles. As a result, the wine finishes with a lower-than-average level of alcohol.
About the producer
Undoubtedly one of the top growers in the Côte des Blancs, Agrapart has a unique traditional approach to producing Champagne, with the result being a loyal and fanatical following who adore this lean and precise style of wine.
Product details
White