NV Jacques Selosse Champagne “Initial” Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

100% Chardonnay. Three successive vintages from Avize, Oger & Cramant, primarily from lower-slope sites. Bottles age ~5 years before disgorgement. Dosage: ~5g/l. 2,700 cases.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Since assuming control of his father’s estate in 1974, Anselme Selosse patiently redefined Champagne with his fastidious viticulture, innovative élevage, and intensely vinous champagnes. His son, Guillaume, joined him in 2009 and together they have fashioned the most fully-realized arc of wines in the region. The vineyard holdings consist of approximately 0.85 hA of Pinot Noir, and 6.65 hA of Chardonnay in the elite villages of Avize, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil, Aÿ Ambonnay, and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. The Selosses’ intense focus on balance and harmony in their vineyards leads to perhaps the region’s ripest, most expressive fruit. They encourage the natural growth and evolution of the soil so that it may express minerality in the wine. Harvest is by hand. Primary fermentations occur in a mix of Burgundy barrels (228L), fût (400L), and demi-muids (600L). Malolatic fermentations are free to occur (or not) as each individual lot evolves. Wines are held for one year in barrel, with ~16% new barrels added to the rotation each year. Reserve wines spend a year in foudre before moving to INOX.

Established: 1950-1960 (First Vintage: 1960)

Proprietor: Guillaume Selosse (since 2018)

Appellation: Champagne

Soils: Classic chalky marls