2015 Andre Heucq Parcellaire "Les Roches", Champagne, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Hand harvested. Grown on limestone-rich soils. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in barrels. 36 months on lees – cork closure and stapling. Brut nature.

There is an expression between the aromas of youth and ageing in the cellar, and especially an original expression for the grape, as hidden behind its terroir. This is a terroir Champagne, with a profile far removed from the usual grape varieties. Elegant and expressive. Seductive stone fruit on the nose with bready undertones. Supple and delicate bubbles on the palate, nice and vibrant. Mineral driven, and nice balancing acidity.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

The Heucq family began bottling its own champagne as early as 1936. From the 1950s onwards, Roger Heucq modernised the business, and a good part of the vines still date back to that time. With the arrival of his son André in 1973, the conversion to organic viticulture began and a new orientation towards fine, elegant champagnes characterised by terroir began, which continues to this day.

For some years now, André has been actively supported by his children Fanny & Alexandre. Fanny also runs "dilettantes", a well-stocked Champagne boutique in Paris.

The domain has 6ha of vineyards in the Vallée de la Marne, with the Meunier grape being the most important. The soil here has a special, three-layered structure consisting of sand, green clay and calcareous clay. This formation means that it requires less water, which is very beneficial for the low-rainfall area around Cuisles. Wines of very special characteristics grow here, with finely balanced minerality, body and high ripening potential.

When vinifying the wines, Heucq does not use filtration and hardly any sulphur for stabilisation. André prefers to age the wines in wood to achieve balance and harmony, but his experiments with concrete eggs and clay amphorae also produce exciting and unique results. Depending on the grape variety and vintage characteristics, he skilfully uses the different containers or assembles them according to their needs.

The dosage has been reduced more and more in recent years, but the long yeast storage has been maintained. This gives the champagnes an extremely individual style: intense and powerful, but also precise, soil-focused, juicy and with a lot of structure.