A vibrant yellow-green in color, the Blancs de Blancs, d'Aÿ Grand Cru offers a delicate and fruity nose of citrus, pineapple, grapefruit with a hint of lemon. Lively on the palate with the finesse of Chardonnay and notes of citrus, white flowers, mandarin, fresh sage, and a long and fresh finish.
100% Chardonnay
The NV Champagne Grand Cru Aÿ Blanc de Blancs Brut pours a pale straw color and offers notes of pineapples, rich chalky earth, and fresh orange blossoms. Medium-bodied, with a lively mousse, it’s clean and fresh, with a refined finish. It has acidity, but it's not overbearing. I love this wine and the powdery, fresh floral notes; it's transparent to the vintage and the place. - 93pts Jeb Dunnuck
The Gaston Chiquet Champagne Blanc de Blancs d'Ay is classic with its sophisticated balance of tartness and chalkiness. This wine deeply intertwines aromas and flavors of dried apple skin and yeasty autolysis. Serve it with pan-fried English sole. - 93pts Wilfred Wong
Disgorged in January 2019, the latest release of Gaston Chiquet's NV Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs d'Aÿ is showing beautifully, opening in the glass with scents of crisp yellow orchard fruit, white flowers, blanched almonds and fresh peach. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, bright and charming, with a succulent core of fruit, a delicate pinpoint mousse and a nicely defined finish. Elegant and expressive, this is a beautifully balanced Blanc de Blancs that would make for a perfect aperitif. - 92pts Wine Advocate
Harmonious and appealing, with a juicy, lightly mouthwatering frame for flavors of ripe Gala apple and white cherry fruit, grated ginger and honey-roasted almond. This is fresh and minerality, with a fine, lively mousse and floral and spice notes playing on the finish. - 92pts Wine Spectator
Winemaker Notes
While there are many sparkling wine regions around the globe, only Champagne from the Champagne appellation in France can be labeled as such.
About the Producer
Now owned by Thomas Rivers Brown, Aston Estate is located near the remote township of Annapolis, approximately five miles and two ridge lines from the coast. This area is close enough to benefit from the ocean’s cooling effects yet is just outside the fog line, so days are long and temperate. The 14-acre southwest-facing vineyard thrives in a microclimate typified by full-sun days and moderate temperatures that are a standout in the cooler Sonoma Coast climate. Dijon clones 115 (2 acres), 667 (4 acres), and 777 (8 acres).
