# Vénus Brut Nature Grand Cru (2016)

- **Producer:** Champagne Pascal Agrapart
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €256
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, lemon, grapefruit, apricot, vanilla, biscuit, almond, toasted bread, orange marmalade, hazelnut, iodine, almond

## About this wine

Pascal Agrapart Vénus Brut Nature Grand Cru 2016 is a Blanc de Blancs Champagne from Avize, a Grand Cru village in the Côte des Blancs. It is made exclusively from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from the 'La Fosse' vineyard, planted in 1959. The Agrapart family, with a history in Champagne dating back to 1894, manages the estate with a focus on expressing individual vineyard parcels. The Vénus cuvée is a single-vineyard bottling, named after the horse used for tilling the plot, and is produced with zero dosage (Brut Nature).

## Interesting facts

- Named after the horse that historically worked the 'La Fosse' vineyard plot.
- Vineyard planted in 1959, yielding grapes with deep character.
- Zero dosage (Brut Nature) highlights the wine's purity.
- Aged for a minimum of six years on lees.

## Food pairing

The wine's high acidity and minerality cut through the richness of seafood and delicate meats, while its saline notes complement the natural brininess of shellfish. The complexity of the wine can stand up to nuanced preparations without overpowering the dish.

## Wine making process

The Pascal Agrapart Vénus Brut Nature Grand Cru 2016 is vinified in barrels. Following fermentation, it is aged for a minimum of six years on its lees. The wine is bottled with zero dosage (Brut Nature), meaning no sugar is added after disgorgement. The estate practices organic viticulture, with vineyard work often done by hand and horse, reflecting a commitment to traditional methods and land stewardship.