Jacques Selosse

The Initial is an extraordinary Champagne characterized by the search for oxidation as a virtuous element of the harvest of grapes at full maturity that have become a trademark. With 7 hectares of fields in Avize, Ambonnay, Cramant, Ay and Oger, all cultivated in biodynamics. The Blanc de Blancs Initial comes from Chardonnay grapes in purity, coming from three different vintages as the base wines are aged following the Soleras method. The fermentation of the base wines takes place in Borgognone barriques only with indigenous yeasts and with the addition of sulfur dioxide of a few milligrams. The malolactic is carried out naturally, after which the bottling takes place for the second fermentation, which will be followed by a long aging on the yeasts. It appears in the glass with a deep yellow color tending to gold, and a fine and persistent bubble. Notes of butter, toasted almonds, honey and pastry are highlighted.

A bottle su generis given its particular level of oxidation. These like other champagnes must be liked, excellent for those who love this kind of bottles. What struck me about this Champagne was the union of flavors with oxidation that gives a different soul to what will be drunk, different from the usual French bubbles. A touch of class an incredible bottle.