Cépage: 40% Meunier, 35% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir
Assemblage: 81% 2017, 17% 2016, 2% 2015
Village/Vyd: Hautvillers 1er Cru, Dizy 1er Cru, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ 1er Cru, Aÿ Grand Cru; Clay and limestone over chalk
Malo: Yes
Élevage: Stainless steel
Sur Latte: 48+ Months
Dégorgement: July 2022 – January 2023 (6)
“Vibrant and balanced, with flavors of nectarine, candied orange peel, slivered almond and oyster shell set on a lacy texture. Fragrant hints of white blossoms and lemon thyme show on the finish.”
Winemaker Notes
Growing vines since the 18th century in the Grand Vallée de la Marne, 1919 saw Gaston and Ferdinand Chiquet start to estate bottle their wines under the Chiquet Frères label. Gaston left the company in 1935 and 30 years later Ferdinand’s side of the family would go on to purchase the Jacquesson estate. Today, the great grandsons of Gaston Chiquet, Antoine and Nicolas, manage this estate, with vines averaging 45 years of age. This 1er Cru Brut blends 40% pinot meunier, 35% chardonnay, and 25% pinot noir from 1er Crus Hautvillers, Dizy, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, and Aÿ Grand Cru. This was based on 2019, with 14% 2018, and 6% 2017. It was fermented and aged in stainless, with full MLF, aged 48+ months on the lees. This bottle was disgorged in January 2022 with 4 g/L. Amply cushioned with fragrant fresh and dried cherry, Rainier cherry, blackcurrant, red and green apple, and lemon rolling across a fresh dough base, scented with red blossoms, and finishing with a trail of deep chalk and gingersnap spicing. A deeper, yet poised champagne, primed for the main course. (Treve Ring).
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).
