Lot presentation

Tradition Extra-Brut De Sousa

The wine

This Extra Brut Champagne stems from careful winemaking, rooted in the rich history of the Champagne region, particularly from the grand cru terroir of Avize. The chalky soils of this area, rich in calcium, impart a unique minerality to the wines. The winemaking process starts with hand harvests of the Chardonnay grapes, which contribute finesse and elegance to the cuvée. In the winery, the grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel tanks and oak casks, followed by ageing on the lees for at least 36 months. This traditional method brings out a beautiful aromatic complexity.
This cuvée displays a clear and shimmering golden colour.
On the nose, it reveals subtle aromas of white flowers, white-fleshed fruits, and a touch of brioche. The palate is lively and fresh, with a lovely structure, leading to a long, persistent, and mineral finish that reflects the characteristics of the terroir.

About the Producer De Sousa

It was the First World War which oddly enough was at the origin of the creation of De Sousa champagnes. Indeed, Manuel De Sousa, originally from the Porto area, was part of the Portuguese expeditionary force called to reinforce the allies. Returning to his country, faced with a difficult economic situation, Manuel De Sousa decided to leave with his wife for the Champagne region where he had made contacts during the war. He settled there and worked hard at the service of the region’s wine growers. However, struck by a tumour, he died at 29, leaving a wife and four children. A little later, the eldest son, Antoine, met Zoémie Bondeville, the daughter of a family of prosperous Champagne wine growers with whom he would soon marry. This was the start of success for the De Sousa family. Today, it is Erik, the third generation established in France who runs the domain with his wife Michelle. Today the domain covers 11 hectares of the most beautiful terroirs of the Côte des Blancs, of which the vast majority are in grand cru with 75% of the vines over 45 years old, which is rather rare in Champagne. In addition, Erik De Sousa has gradually made the entire domain organic and then biodynamic since 1999. His wines have gained further finesse, elegance and expression of their different exceptional terroirs. An absolute must-see for lovers of biodynamic champagne, powerful, tense and offering assertive minerality.