Champagne Extra Brut
Cuvée Umami 2012

The Champagne Cuvée Umami by De Sousa is crafted from a blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, sourced from vines with an average age of over 60 years, rooted in the chalky soils of Avize for the Chardonnay and in the Grand Cru vineyards of Aÿ and Ambonnay for the Pinot Noir. Grown according to organic and biodynamic principles, the grapes faithfully express the minerality and complexity that define these exceptional terroirs. The 2012 vintage, marked by a balanced and sunny summer, allowed for optimal ripening, bringing both concentration and freshness to the fruit.

Vinification takes place entirely in 225-litre oak barrels, with ageing on fine lees to enhance structure and aromatic depth. This is followed by a long maturation on the lees for about 10 years, revealing a profile of great elegance and tension. The final dosage, in Extra Brut style, highlights the wine’s expressive purity and the savoury dimension inherent in the concept of “umami”. Like the fingers of a hand, there are five fundamental tastes: sweet, salty, bitter, acidic, and, less well-known yet essential, umami. This fifth taste combines intensity, persistence, texture, and astringency. The term, from Japanese (umai = delicious, mi = taste), means “savoury” and perfectly encapsulates the soul of this Millésime Champagne, produced in extremely limited quantities.

On the palate, Cuvée Umami 2012 shows a bright golden yellow colour with amber highlights. The nose opens with notes of linden blossom and acacia, honey, gingerbread, nuances of hawthorn, and fruity hints of pigeon-heart cherryand raspberry. The palate reveals a silky and enveloping texture, with flavours of red fruits, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon, supported by a vibrant minerality and refined salinity, leading to a long, harmonious, and highly persistent finish.