2017 Suenen C + C Grand Cru Cramant Blanc de Blancs Les Robarts, Champagne

The 2017 Suenen C + C Grand Cru Cramant Blanc de Blancs Les Robarts is a stunning grower Champagne from Aurélien Suenen, one of the rising stars of the Côte des Blancs. Suenen took over the family domaine in 2008 and has since become a leading voice for terroir-driven, low-intervention winemaking, farming his vines organically and focusing on precise, mineral Champagnes that speak clearly of their chalk soils. The Les Robarts parcel sits within the grand cru village of Cramant, renowned for Chardonnay of tension, elegance and chalky purity, and this single-site Blanc de Blancs is a particularly refined expression.

In the glass it shows pale gold with a fine, persistent mousse. The bouquet is delicate yet complex, opening with lemon zest, green apple and white peach layered with chalk, crushed seashell, almond and a whisper of brioche from extended lees contact. The palate is taut and focused, driven by citrus and orchard fruits framed by racy acidity and a pronounced mineral backbone. Savoury hints of hazelnut, flint and saline carry through to a long, chiselled finish that epitomises the precision of Cramant.

Food pairings suit its purity and chalk-driven style: freshly shucked oysters, caviar, Dover sole, scallops with lemon butter, or a simple goat’s cheese salad. It also pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses such as Brillat-Savarin. With 10 to 15 years of cellaring potential, this Champagne will gain more honeyed, nutty and toasty complexity while retaining its freshness and mineral drive.