ChampagneSuenenBlancdeBlancsExtraBrutGrandCruC+CBV19

The Suenen family has been growing grapes in the Cramant area since the late 19th century, with winemaking beginning in the early 20th century. Aurélien’s great-grandfather, Marcel, and his wife Simone, were the first to bottle and sell their own Blanc de Blancs under the Suenen name. Aurélien Suenen returned to the family estate after a career in professional basketball, taking over from his father in 2009. He has revitalized the domaine by focusing on the Côte des Blancs, particularly Cramant, Chouilly, and Oiry, and by adopting sustainable, low-intervention winemaking practices. Suenen emphasizes the unique characteristics of the terroir, with a particular focus on Chardonnay grown in the chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs. While embracing traditional methods, Aurélien also incorporates modern techniques, including the use of concrete eggs and demi-muids, 800 litre oak, for aging, and a small percentage of neutral oak barrels. He also ferments with indigenous yeasts and uses minimal sulphites and low dosage. Suenen achieved organic certification in 2019, reflecting his commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly viticulture.rrThis NV champagne comes from 40+ yo vines on north-west, west, and south-east facing hillsides in Cramant and Chouilly where the soils are deeper compared to Oiry with silty clay over chalk â€?this adds flesh to the wines.rrWeather in 2019: It was a hot year, with several hot spells. Very ripe and healthy. 2019 retains a very fine balance/ “Hardyâ€?was harvested on September 12 and 13, in the morning to pick the grapes before the heat.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Cramant & ChouillyrGrape Varieties: 100% ChardonnayrLees Ageing: 3 yearsrReserve wines: 50% from 2013 to 2018rAverage age of vines: 40+ YearsrPlantation YearsrBottling date: 24th July 2020rDisgorged: 11th January 2023rDosage: 4 g/lrProduction: 7028 bottles & 200 MagnumsrDrink: Now to 2036rrTasting Note: The restrained nose gives a fine smoky complexity, salted liquorice tones and pure lemony fruit. Oak elegantly lines both nose and palate. The palate builds itself over a fine skeleton of acidity and crystalline fruit. Due to the immense tension and tingling sensations from the minerality and tiny bubbles, the wine feels agile, even athletic. The truly long taste finishes on a chalky note. â€?Tasted by Essi Avellan MW