# Cramant Grand Cru Vintage (2016)

- **Producer:** Bonnaire
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €108
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** green apple, lemon, butter, brioche, biscuit, honey, almond

## About this wine

The Bonnaire Cramant Grand Cru Vintage 2016 is a single-varietal Chardonnay from the esteemed Grand Cru village of Cramant in Champagne. The Bonnaire family, now in its fourth generation of winemakers, established the house in 1932 with a focus on creating wines of freshness and energy. The vineyards are situated on chalky mid-slope plots in Cramant, a terroir particularly suited to Chardonnay. The 2016 vintage faced climatic challenges, including frost and hail, making this release a testament to the quality achievable in demanding years. The house has also embraced sustainable practices, beginning organic conversion in 2020.

## Interesting facts

- Bonnaire's vineyards are located on prime mid-slope plots in Cramant.
- The house began organic conversion in 2020.
- This wine spent 72 months aging on its lees.
- Disgorgement occurred in May 2024.

## Food pairing

The wine's high acidity and minerality cut through the richness of creamy sauces and fatty fish, cleansing the palate. Its subtle complexity complements delicate seafood and poultry without overpowering them. Citrus notes in the wine can bridge with lemon-based sauces.

## Wine making process

The Bonnaire Cramant Grand Cru Vintage 2016 is crafted exclusively from 100% Chardonnay grapes. The vinification process involves fermentation in thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures to maintain freshness. A full malolactic fermentation is typically employed. The wine then undergoes an extensive aging period of 72 months on its lees, contributing to its complexity and texture. Disgorgement for this vintage occurred in May 2024. The Bonnaire estate is committed to sustainable viticulture, holding HVE3 certification and having initiated organic conversion in 2020, with Chardonnay certified organic in 2023.