Sparkling dry
For those seeking a Champagne that truly embodies its Grand Cru terroir and a winemaker's unwavering dedication, the Eric Rodez Les Genettes Chardonnay Ambonnay Grand Cru 2017 is an exceptional choice.
This exquisite Champagne presents a light yellow color with golden highlights and fine perlage. The fresh aroma reveals tones of crisp apple, piquant grapefruit, citrus oil, hazelnut, and dried white flowers, with hints of warm spices. The palate is voluminous and rounded with a pleasant texture, offering a concentrated taste of white fruits, elegant acidity, and a salty-mineral aftertaste.
Made entirely from ‘Chardonnay’ grapes from the Les Genettes plot in Ambonnay – a Grand Cru commune in the Montagne de Reims region – this wine reflects its unique origin. The vines, around 40 years old, thrive in relatively deep, limestone soils with southeastern exposure. The vineyard is cultivated biodynamically, using natural composting and herbal sprays according to the astronomical calendar.
The wine is vinified in used oak barrels and importantly, does not undergo malolactic fermentation, preserving its vibrant freshness. It then spends 5 years on yeast sediment in bottles and 1 year in bottles after disgorgement in the estate cellars.
Dosage (3g/l)
Serve at 8-10 °C with grilled chicken with lemon and herbs, grilled prawn skewers, goat, brie and camembert cheeses would also be suitable.
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:
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.