# Guy de Chassey Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Grand Cru (NV)

- **Producer:** Guy de Chassey
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €40
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, apple, blossom, red cherry, pear

## About this wine

Guy de Chassey Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Grand Cru is a Champagne produced by the Guy de Chassey estate, a family-run winery with a history dating back to the 19th century. The estate is situated in Louvois, a Grand Cru village in the Montagne de Reims region of Champagne, France. This wine is classified as Grand Cru and is made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes, a specialty of the estate. The 'Blanc de Noirs' designation indicates a white wine produced from black grapes, while 'Extra Brut' signifies a very low dosage, resulting in a dry style. The estate cultivates 9.5 hectares of mature vines on deep clay-limestone soils.

## Interesting facts

- Made entirely from Pinot Noir, yet it's a white wine.
- Grand Cru status means grapes are from the highest-rated villages.
- Extra Brut means very little added sugar, emphasizing dryness.
- Handmade production, with only about 4,000 bottles annually.

## Food pairing

The wine's Extra Brut dryness and vibrant acidity cut through richer elements like butter and cream, cleansing the palate. Its structure from Pinot Noir complements proteins, while subtle minerality can echo earthy notes in dishes like mushrooms or nuts.

## Wine making process

The Guy de Chassey estate employs a winemaking process that balances tradition with modern precision. Grapes are gently pressed using a wooden 'Coquard' press. Each variety and plot is vinified separately in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks to maintain fruit purity. Malolactic fermentation is intentionally blocked to preserve tension and acidity. The blend incorporates reserve wines that have been aged in a 12-year-old solera system. Approximately 4,000 bottles are produced annually, with an emphasis on handmade quality.