With the exception of a few rare varieties, Chardonnay grows almost exclusively on the family plots, with the most prized being a 0.15-hectare monopole parcel, Clos des Maladries, planted by Etienne's grandfather. A ‘clos’ is a walled vineyard, typically in Champagne and Burgundy, of which there are barely 30 in the entire Champagne region. One of these belongs to the Calsac family – Clos des Maladries, which is located in Avize, with 0.15 hectares of over 40-year-old Chardonnay vines. The narrow rows are plowed by horse, and the cultivation has been organic from the beginning, with the grandparents still keeping an eye on this plot, which is also their backyard.
A third of the spontaneous fermentation took place in barrels, the rest in tanks. Bottled for the second fermentation without filtration or fining, followed by three years of ageing before disgorgement. A crafted, detailed, mature champagne in the fine wine category. This was the first champagne we discovered from Etienne Calsac, in a bustling Reims bistro.
Disgorgement: March 2024. Extra Brut, dosage: 4 g/l.