2017 Gaston Chiquet Champagne Grand Cru "Special Club Aÿ” Brut, Champagne, France

ABOUT THE WINE

This 2017 Special Club Aÿ is a Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs made entirely from Chardonnay. Aÿ is more often associated with Pinot Noir, making Chiquet’s longstanding work with Chardonnay here a distinctive part of the estate’s range.

Extended bottle maturation gives the wine time to develop beyond its initial fruit. Citrus and honey notes accompany a soft, refined palate and a persistent finish. It should be distinguished from Chiquet’s regular Special Club blend and its non-vintage Blanc de Blancs d’Aÿ. We suggest seafood, roast poultry or a gently creamy dish to meet its balance of finesse and depth.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Gaston Chiquet is a family grower based in Dizy, with vineyards in several important villages of the Marne. The family helped establish the Special Club, whose members use blind tasting to select wines for a distinctive shared bottle.

Nicolas and Antoine developed the estate’s vineyard and cellar work, removing herbicides and investing in careful pressing and stainless-steel vessels. The property obtained High Environmental Value and Champagne Sustainable Viticulture certification in 2015. Its approach combines family tradition with precise tools to express the character of each village and grape.