Mathieu and Blandine Crété grew up with grape growing as the family business and vigneron bloodline going all the way back to 1683. A history of “on again, off again” winemaking from their plots goes as far back as 1887 – but in more recent history, the focus has been on the grape growing side of things, at least until the past decade. That’s when Mathieu and Blandine took the family plots into a new and exciting era…and thank heavens they did!

This new release is 100% Chardonnay, all from the 2017 vintage – a year known for dry, warm conditions in spring, a wet August, and Chardonnay grapes that matured to an exemplary richness. The fruit is sourced from the twin Grand Cru threats of Oger and Mesnil-sur-Oger – and some of the family’s oldest vines and best plots therein. The approach here is clean and pure, with all stainless steel fermentation and a full blocking of malolactic secondary fermentation – keeping the desirable cuvée bright, mineral-driven, full of zip, and ready for your next festivity! 

The wine is aged in bottle on the lees for a full four years, before disgorgement and a small dosage of 2 grams per liter to keep things fresh, yet whisper-dry. The aromas and flavors are classic Côte de Blancs, with a perfect balance of the chalky, citrine, laser-focus of Mesnil, coupled with the slightly denser, ripe orchard fruit characteristics of Oger. Taste and smell the crumbled chalk, the piquant lemon and grapefruit, alongside crisp Granny Smith apples, and nearly ripe Bartlett pears. Lemongrass and chervil, too, in a taut and seamless package that is both linear and expansive simultaneously. Truly divine, and a wine worthy of any occasion large or small!

As they’re just getting started, their production is extremely small, and this batch comes in at just over 200 cases, total. As best we can tell, we’re the only ones in the country, or the hemisphere, or really anyone outside of the EU, that got access to this beauty. We have a teeny-tiny allotment… so do not miss the chance to jump on yours before they’re gone!