2022 Etienne Calsac Blanc de Blancs " Les Revenants", Extra Brut, Champagne, France

ABOUT THE WINE

“Les Revenants” is a Blanc de Blancs crafted from a blend of 50% Pinot Blanc, 45% Petit Meslier, and 5% Arbanne—grapes historically used in Champagne but now seldom seen. These varieties were planted in the lieu-dit “Les Fours” in Montgenost, Côte de Sézanne, on sandy and clay soils over chalk subsoil. The wine underwent spontaneous fermentation in a single 600L oak barrel, followed by 7 months of aging on lees, and then 24 to 30 months of bottle aging under cork before disgorgement, with zero dosage. On the nose, it reveals aromas of crisp citrus, white peach, and delicate florals, with subtle herbal undertones. The palate is precise and mineral-driven, with a lively acidity and a long, saline finish. This Champagne pairs well with oysters, sashimi, or goat cheese, and is best enjoyed as an aperitif or with light seafood dishes.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Etienne Calsac is part of a new wave of grower-producers reimagining Champagne through the lens of purity and ecological stewardship. Based in Avize, he inherited a few hectares of prized old vines and has championed sustainable farming, working organically and plowing by horse. Calsac’s philosophy centers on minimal intervention, emphasizing the raw voice of place over stylistic embellishment. With a cellar that favors long élevage and minimal sulfur use, he crafts wines that are articulate, mineral-driven, and reflective of Champagne’s shifting tides toward authenticity and precision.