Champagne Eric Rodez Cuvee des Crayeres Ambonnay Grand C

Stephen Tanzer

92 / 100

The actual product may vary from the images shown on the website.

CountryFrance
RegionChampagne
AppellationChampagne Grand Cru
Varieties
Wine style
- Intense and savory traditional method sparkling wine
BrandEric Rodez
Volume0,75 L

65,00 €

Description

For collectors and connoisseurs seeking a Champagne that masterfully balances power with elegance, the Eric Rodez Cuvée des Crayères Ambonnay Grand Cru is an exceptional choice. This emblematic cuvée beautifully expresses the unique chalky terroir of Ambonnay, offering a deep, mineral-driven experience that is both refined and utterly captivating.

This exquisite Champagne displays a light golden robe with subtle golden reflections. On the nose, it is remarkably mineral and distinctly floral, hinting at its chalky origins. The palate is generous and fresh, revealing delightful notes of red berries, such as wild strawberry. The experience culminates in a superbly long finish graced by a light vanilla woodiness, adding to its complexity.

The Cuvée des Crayères is an exclusive Grand Cru d'Ambonnay creation, made from 60% ‘Pinot Noir’ – providing structure and body – and 40% ‘Chardonnay’ – contributing finesse and elegance. This sophisticated blend is meticulously elaborated from an average of a dozen wines from 4 to 5 different vintages, with 20 to 25% of the wines vinified in small oak barrels. This careful integration of reserve wines and barrel fermentation further enhances its depth and character.

Dosage (6g/l)

Serving recommendations

Serve at 8-10 °C with seafood, chicken and mild cheese.

Rating

92 / 100

Stephen Tanzer

About brand

Eric Rodez – an eighth-generation grape grower, is based in the kingdom of ‘Pinot Noir’ grapes, the village of Ambonnay, classified as a top Grand Cru. His estate spans just 6 hectares of mature vineyards, from which about 40,000 bottles of champagne are produced annually. Nearly 80 percent of the wine's primary fermentation takes place in Burgundian oak barrels, and a large proportion (around 70%) of reserve wines are used for the champagnes.

The Eric Rodez Champagne house is characterized by sustainability and responsibility towards nature and future generations. They completely avoid herbicides and pesticides, and the vineyards are managed according to organic and biodynamic principles. A minimal amount of sulfites is used, and even some champagne production choices are driven by their environmental friendliness (which is why malolactic fermentation is not blocked).

Wine Style

The champagnes from Eric Rodez can be categorized into three lines:

Signature Champagnes: These reflect Eric's mastery in understanding each vintage and blending base wines to best express his vision for that year. Eric himself still crafts these champagnes.
"Solistes": These are single-vineyard champagnes that reveal the true spirit of a specific plot. The idea to create single-vineyard wines came from Eric's son, who is also responsible for them.
"Empreinte" (French for "imprint") line: This is a joint project between father and son, aiming to perfectly capture both the grapes (‘Chardonnay’ and ‘Pinot Noir’) and their vintage expressions, most accurately reflecting the spirit of Ambonnay Grand Cru. It's like a gift from the Rodez family, a love song to Ambonnay – unsurprising, given how important this place is to them. It's no coincidence Eric himself served as the village mayor for 31 years.

Aging and Consumption Period

Champagne enthusiasts and collectors buy the majority of Eric Rodez champagnes before they even hit the market, as they trust in their exceptional aging potential and ability to evolve over time. This speaks volumes about the champagne's high quality and value, a result of a long and meticulous aging process.