From: Bethon, Côte de Sézanne, Champagne, France
Varietal: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Taste: On the nose, this Champagne opens with a bouquet of fresh white flowers, citrus zest, and green apple, underscored by subtle chalky minerality and hints of brioche. A delicate trace of almond and dried herbs rounds out the aromatic profile, reflecting the biodynamic vineyard practices.
On the palate, 'Vogloniers' is elegantly structured, showcasing a harmonious balance of freshness and texture. The Chardonnay component, drawn from both young and old vines, brings a pronounced brightness and a creamy mid-palate. The Pinot Noir adds depth and a hint of red fruit complexity, such as wild strawberries and cranberries. The chalk and clay soils of the Sézannais contribute a marked minerality, delivering a clean, precise finish with a lingering saline touch.
The mousse is fine and persistent, enhancing the wine's refined character. The three years of aging "sur lattes" lend a soft, creamy texture and subtle autolytic notes of toasted bread and hazelnut. At the same time, the dosage is expertly calibrated to balance the wine's vibrant acidity.
Pairing: Start with Grilled oysters with a buttery soy-sake glaze would pair beautifully with this champagne. The wine’s vibrant acidity and fine bubbles provide a refreshing counterbalance to the richness of the buttery glaze, while its subtle citrus and floral notes highlight the oysters’ natural brininess. The soy-sake glaze adds a savory umami depth that is complemented by the Champagne's autolytic nuances of toasted bread and hazelnut.
Grilled Oysters With Buttery Soy-Sake Glaze
By J. Kenji López-Alt
About: Champagne Dekeyne & Fils settles in the family-owned estate in Bethon, a village in the southern end of the Côte de Sézanne, within the Champagne region of France. The Dekeyne family's association with this land dates back to 1919 when they settled on their farm in an area known as "La Voglonière." In 1962, they became pioneers in the village by replanting vineyards after the devastation caused by phylloxera, marking a significant milestone in the region's viticultural history.
