DEMILLY DE BAERE (Bligny, France)
Champagne Carte d'Or
70% Pinot Noit and Pinot Meunier 30% Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc Harvested by hand and fermented separately in steel tank (selected yeasts). No malo-lactic occurs. Rested in tank for 4-6mos. Secondary fermentation occurs in bottle (50% reserve wine included). Left alone for 2-3yrs. Disgorged and 10g dosage added. Rested for 2mos before release.
The house, now run by Gérard Demilly ,dates back to the 11th century which, would suggest that he is of the 'traditional' winemaker class. He is indeed but not through any recent generational bloodline (his family was making wine from as far back as the 17thC.). Since the age of 6, he dreamt about the surrounding vineyards and wished to be a successful winemaker himself. It was not until much later that, in 1978, with his wife Franˆßiose (de Baere), he purchased 10ha near the stream running through Bligny. Had he ever left the region, you would say he finally found his rightful home. He manages the vineyards tenderly and with ecological practices, keeping the soils healthy enough to reflect a complex fruit and clear mineralty. His vines rest in chalk and limestone soils, on the gentle hills along the Landion. His cellar practices are traditional. He settles for one cuvee, which he blends from all four of the grapes he cultivates: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Meunier. He prefers the house style rather than the vintage bottling. Perhaps it is to remind him of all his years here amongst the vines. It is certain that the house will remain (as he Gˆ©rard is a component stone worker as well) and with he dream finally realized, so will the spirit of his wines.
70% Pinot Noit and Pinot Meunier 30% Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc Harvested by hand and fermented separately in steel tank (selected yeasts). No malo-lactic occurs. Rested in tank for 4-6mos. Secondary fermentation occurs in bottle (50% reserve wine included). Left alone for 2-3yrs. Disgorged and 10g dosage added. Rested for 2mos before release.