From: Bar-sur-Aube, Champagne, France
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: Benoit Doussot's detailed approach comes through in the glass. Boréal is a Blanc de Noirs that embodies the grace of Pinot Noir, showcasing a delicate bouquet of wild summer strawberry, bright cherry, pale floral tones, brioche, and stony minerality. The palate emerges with focused energy and textural aliveness, mirroring the complexity of the nose while delving into a wonderfully fresh, dry, and savory territory with a finish that keeps you tuned in and wanting more.
Pairing: This is a wonderful Champagne to start the evening on its own or alongside seafood appetizers like freshly caught crab with a simple butter-lemon sauce. It will also lend itself well to roasted white meats and savory, umami dishes like wild mushroom risotto or chicken with morels (see recipe below).
Chicken with Tarragon and Morels
By David McCann
About. Many thanks to the importer, Polaner Selections, for the following information.
• Young winemaker Benoit Doussot’s concept for Clandestin (meaning hidden,
secret, or undercover) explores vinification based on specific soil types and expositions, and is inspired by the untapped potential of the talented, progressive growers with whom he collaborates.
• In each vintage there are two Pinot Noir based wines produced: Boréal comes entirely from north-facing parcels, while Austral is from south-facing parcels. This separation in exposition produces two distinctly different wines.
• Doussot has two primary influences: 1) meticulous Meursault vigneron Jean- Philippe Fichet whose commitment to precision in the vineyards and cellar had a lasting impact on him, and 2) Bertrand & Hélène Gautherot of Vouette & Sorbée, who helped to develop his understanding of the different villages and soils in the region. These influences are felt in the wines — detailed expressions with textural aliveness — but as Benoit continues to to push the envelope of quality and experimentation, his own signature style is being revealed.
The Champagne Clandestin "Boréal" NV (2021) Blanc de Noir Brut Nature is 100% Pinot Noir sourced from mid-slope parcels dominated by bands of Kimmeridgian soil in the commune of Bar-sur-Aube. These vineyards are farmed naturally, with no herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. The grapes were direct pressed, then the must was racked into 600L French oak barrels where the first fermentation took place from indigenous yeast. After the second fermentation, the wine spent 15 months sur lattes followed by six months in bottle before release (disgorged November 2023).
