Champagne Brut Nature
Air

The Champagne Air by Augustin is the lightest and most ethereal of the cuvées dedicated to the four elements, the project through which Marc and Emmanuelle Augustin translate their vision of nature and the energy of the vineyard into wine. It comes from Avenay-Val-d’Or, a Premier Cru village overlooking the Vallée de la Marne, where the family has farmed its vineyards for generations. Today 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 2017 harvest, combines Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes in equal parts, picked at full ripeness in the family vineyards, in a perfect balance of freshness, finesse, structure and depth. Vinification and fermentation take place spontaneously with indigenous yeasts only, followed by eleven months of maturation, 50% in wooden casks, 40% in terracotta jars and the remaining 10% in stainless steel, a combination that gives the wine depth and breadth without taking away its lightness. After tirage, the wine ages on the lees for about seven years, after which it is released with no final dosage, so that the fruit and terroir come through directly and transparently.

On tasting, Air 2017 shows a straw yellow hue with golden highlights and a very fine, steady perlage. The nose is delicate and airy, with white flowers and jasmine woven together with pear, apple and fresh citrus, followed by a subtle note of bread crust and a clear chalky trace. On the palate the attack is vibrant and precise, with great drinkability and a creamy texture carried by lively acidity and a salinity that adds drive and depth, leading to a long, persistent finish with mineral and slightly almond-like nuances.