Champagne Brut Nature
Amme "Chardonnay"

The Champagne Amme “Chardonnay” by Augustin is a Blanc de Blancs of great finesse and transparency, through which Marc and Emmanuelle Augustin express all the sensitivity of a vision in which nature and the energy of the vineyard take centre stage. It comes from Avenay-Val-d’Or, a Premier Cru village overlooking the Vallée de la Marne and historically associated with Pinot Noir, where the family has farmed its vineyards for generations and where Chardonnay finds a rare and surprising expression. The Domaine farms about nine and a half hectares under Demeter-certified biodynamics on chalk and clay soils, with an approach that combines agronomic rigour with an almost alchemical sensitivity, attentive to every balance between the vine, the soil and the rhythms of nature.

This edition, from the 2014 harvest, comes from a single vineyard in Avenay-Val-d’Or and is made entirely from Chardonnay grapes picked at full ripeness, in a harmonious balance of finesse, tension and depth. Vinification and fermentation take place spontaneously with indigenous yeasts only, followed by eleven months of maturation on the lees, 30% in wooden casks, 30% in terracotta jars and the remaining 40% in stainless steel, a combination that gives the wine breadth and breathing space while preserving its purity. After tirage, the wine ages on the lees for about eight years, after which it is released with no final dosage, so that the fruit and terroir come through directly and transparently.

On tasting, Amme “Chardonnay” 2014 shows a bright golden yellow hue with greenish highlights and a very fine, persistent perlage. The nose is elegant and deep, with white flowers and hawthorn woven together with ripe citrus, pear and yellow apple, followed by notes of brioche, toasted almond and a delicate hint of fresh butter, always underpinned by a distinct chalky imprint. On the palate the attack is both taut and creamy, with a fine, silky texture accompanied by lively acidity and a deep salinity, leading to a long, persistent finish with citrus and mineral nuances.