Eric Rodez Cuvee de Crayeres Brut NV
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*Pick up orders are available next day for pick upEric Rodez, an 8th generation Ambonnay winemaker and Mayor of the village, is one of the rising stars of Grower Champagne. He buys no additional fruit - having enough to sell 15% of his harvest to negoce. Eric is often described as a thoughtful man who is ceaselessly evaluating how to shine a light on the specific character of each terroir. A craftsman, he makes 60 base wines every year from 36 parcels, vinified separately by parcel and vine age. A period of time as assistant winemaker at Krug instilled a knowledge of meticulous blending, a high use of reserve wines, and the judicious use of barrel maturation. Of his 6.1h of vines, 55% are planted to Pinot Noir and the rest to Chardonnay. Owing to his precise knowledge of each site, he practices lutte raisonée and biodynamic viticulture. His approach is not dogmatic but observational, understanding that you have to pay close attention to what’s going on in the neighbouring vines. In some ways you could say his wines are Krug-like in style, but this would sell short their wonderful individuality. While maintaining the Ambonnay reputation for strength, a high percentage of Chardonnay brings liveliness and zest.
The house multi-vintage blend, it is the marriage of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from a dozen base wines from 4-5 vintages. Up to 25% of the base wines are matured in small oak barrels and an above average amount of reserve wines (40-50%) rounds everything out. A champagne of rich elegance, it pits the fullness of savoury red fruits with a chalky citrus minerality.