The Producer
In Celles-sur-Ource, since the 16th century, the Carreau family has been producing grapes, vinifying a little for their personal consumption. In 1990, Lionel Carreau decided to market a champagne brand under his name. Oriane, his daughter, joined him in 2012.
Oriane's journey is quite unique. A brilliant commercial career took her to North America for several years, yet it was the family home that called her back.
While continuing to work for Carreau champagnes, Oriane is developing her own brand, Dame de Carreau, using vines in conversion or certified organic. The goal is clear: exceptional grapes or nothing, and a very low-intervention winemaking process.
The Wine
Vine: Les Parmailles 50 years - massal selection
Soil: Lower Kimmeridgian
Exposure: South
Only the first press juices
Selected yeasts
Vinification in Lacour stainless steel tanks
Minimum 96 months on lees
Disgorgement 6 months before sale
Adjusted dosage, extra brut or zero depending on the wine
Very limited quantity.
Tasting
Historically, Chardonnays and Pinot Blancs were mixed in Celles sur Ource without really being differentiated. Chardonnays were sometimes mistakenly called Pinot Blancs. Thus, in the monograph of grape varieties of the Aube published in 1900, the unofficial use of the term "true whites" is reported to distinguish Pinot Blancs from Chardonnays. This cuvée name is therefore a historical nod to this endemic grape variety of Celles sur Ource, since out of the 90 hectares of Pinot Blancs recorded in Champagne, 60 are planted in Celles sur Ource.
The nose evokes green apple. On the palate, one is charmed by the freshness with aromas of lemon and candied pineapple. The finish with subtle notes of pepper and verbena completes a superb tasting. A great success.