Champagne Fresne-Ducret Premier Cru 'Chemin du Chemin' NV
The Fresne Ducret domaine consists of 6 hectares of 1er Cru vineyards divided among 25 parcels, which are, with one exception, all in the village of Villedommange. According to the champagne authority, Richard Juhlin, Villedommange, along with the village of Sacy, has the best vineyards in the northern part of the Montagne de Reims, known as the Petite Montagne. The Fresne family have lived and farmed in Villedommange for 180 years and since 2007 it has been Pierre Fresne and his wife Daniella writing the current chapter. Losing little time, Pierre and Daniella began estate-bottling their champagnes with the 2008 vintage. In 2018, after a decade of working towards organic farming, they officially entered into conversion for organic certification.
Golden yellow colour, with generous and abundant “cordon”. The first aromas of apricot and fresh bread, with floral notes, give way to more complex notes of praline, hazelnut and shortbread. In the mouth, delicate brioche aromas, creamy and buttery, followed by a savouriness with hints of tea. Particularly well-balanced, with a soft astringency and exotic moreishness hinting of pineapple and mango. This wine is energetic and dynamic (with notes of citrus zest), generous and distinguished. It is notable for its purity, marked identity, and, in particular, its mastery in balancing freshness and acidity at full maturity. Serve with green asparagus, parmesan, rockfish, sea urchins or razor clams.
Base harvest 2016, 25% reserve wines (15% from 2015, 10% from 2014). Vinified and aged 5 months in stainless steel tanks before bottling. Malo-lactic fermentation carried out for Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Bottled in 2017 with a capsule. Aged a minimum 4 years on the lees in underground cellars. Dosage 5 g/L. Disgorged in March 2022.
Le Chemin du Chemin is a foray into the spirit of Champagne Fresne Ducret. A true philosophical treatise, this cuvée explores a balanced universe, mixing toasted notes, exotic moreishness, and a gentle astringence. It is a portentous of a world where maturity reigns supreme.
| Vintage | NV |
| Varietal Composition | 45% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Meunier |
| Appellation | Northern part of the Montagne de Reims, known as the Petite Montagne |
| Residual Sugar | Dosage: 5 g/L |
| Alcohol | 12.00% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Country of Origin | FRANCE |
| State of Origin | N/A |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | Yes |
Premier Cru vineyards in Villedommange and Jouyles-Reims, mostly from “Les Loges, “Les Glaisières”, ”Les Mont Teigneux” and “Les Huchis”. Calcareous clay soils.
