Antoine Bouvet is unquestionably one of Champagne’s rising stars, and this Mareuil-sur-Aÿ is further proof of his talent. This cuvée takes its name from the village where the vines are planted.
The Pinot Noir vines are located to the east of Épernay, overlooking the Marne, on gently sloping hillsides. They are divided between three parcels: Sur le Mont, Grateuil and Faubourg d'Enfer. The vines are around 30 years old, having been planted between 1993 and 2000. Legally, this is not a vintage Champagne, yet all the grapes come from a single harvest, and Antoine Bouvet does not use reserve wines. Following fermentations and ageing in oak barrels, the wine spends more than three years ageing on laths in bottle. No dosage is added at any stage. An excellent introduction to the estate’s philosophy, and a perfect bottle to enjoy as an aperitif.