# Dream Vintage (2016)

- **Producer:** André Clouet
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €100
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** grapefruit, lemon, green apple, white flowers, pear, pastry, biscuit, hazelnuts, hazelnut, fino sherry, almond

## About this wine

The André Clouet Dream Vintage 2016 is a white sparkling wine from Champagne, France, exclusively made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, classifying it as a Blanc de Blancs. This cuvée is produced only in exceptional vintages, representing a curated selection of Champagne's finest years. The Clouet family has a deep-rooted history in the region, dating back to 1492. While the André Clouet house is often associated with Pinot Noir, the Dream Vintage stands out as a 100% Chardonnay, sourced from Grand Cru vineyards in Bouzy and Ambonnay. The 2016 vintage experienced a challenging start with April frosts, but a favorable summer led to well-ripened grapes. The wine's distinctive labels are influenced by vintage Cadillac cars, adding a unique artistic touch.

## Interesting facts

- A Blanc de Blancs from a Pinot Noir specialist.
- Labels inspired by 1950s Cadillac cars.
- Produced only in the finest vintages.
- Grand Cru fruit from Bouzy and Ambonnay.

## Food pairing

The wine's crisp acidity and minerality cut through the richness of seafood and creamy sauces, while its subtle nutty notes complement the sweetness of shellfish. Citrus elements in the wine echo bright flavors in dishes, creating a harmonious balance.

## Wine making process

The André Clouet Dream Vintage 2016 is produced using the traditional Metodo Classico/Champenoise. Base wines are typically fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks. A defining characteristic of André Clouet wines, including this cuvée, is extended aging on the lees, with the Dream Vintage 2016 spending at least 72 months in this process. The grapes are sourced from Grand Cru sites in Bouzy and Ambonnay, known for their clayey-calcareous soils.