2022 Frédéric Savart "Le Mont des Chrétiens" Écueil 1er Cru, Champagne, France

ABOUT THE WINE

Le Mont des Chrétiens comes from a Chardonnay parcel in Écueil, a premier cru village of the Petite Montagne de Reims more strongly associated with Pinot Noir. Sandy soils distinguish this site within Savart’s holdings. Bottled separately to show its own identity, the cuvée was known as La Dame de Cœur before 2013; this release comes from the 2022 harvest.

Savart ferments and matures the cuvée in 500-liter barrels. This gives the base wine room to develop texture before its transformation into Champagne. The 2022 combines citrus and white-fruit notes with gentle spice, a creamy palate and a fresh, saline edge. It is a Champagne to explore at the table as well as before a meal.

Try it with Comté gougères, seared scallops or turbot with beurre blanc. A white-wine glass gives its aromas and texture more room to unfold.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

René Savart purchased his first vines in 1947. His son Daniel later expanded the holdings, and grandson Frédéric has led the estate since 2005. Based in Écueil, the family farms about four hectares across Écueil and neighboring Villers-aux-Nœuds, mainly Pinot Noir with a small Chardonnay component.

Frédéric emphasizes preventative vineyard care, aiming to build healthy vines and reduce the need for corrective treatments. In the cellar, decisions follow the fruit and the season; malolactic fermentation is allowed to vary rather than being treated as a fixed house rule. His small range of blends and individual-site bottlings explores the differences within these two villages.