Champagne Stéphane Regnault, Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 'Dorien' No.80 NV
This cuvée highlights the grapes of a specific historical plot (“lieu-dit” in French) named Le Chemin de Flavigny and is the fruitiest of Stéphane’s offerings. The vigneron ages the juice for eight months after fermenting 75 percent of it in a stainless steel tank and 25 percent of it in a used 228-liter Burgundy barrel. He then ages the wine for an additional three years sur lie before disgorgement. This plot is known for its light topsoil, compact chalk and natural grass cover.
'Dorien 80' is 100% Chardonnay, from vines planted between 1950 and 1980. This is the fourth release of Dorien, bottled from the perpetual solera of the 'Hautes-Mottes' vineyard which now comprises 5 vintages, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 (which add up to 80).
4000 bottles produced.
Dosage: 1g/L (extra brut)
Sur latte: 36 months
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay "muscaté"
Location: From the lieu-dit Le Chemin de Flavigny, a small parcel of vineyard planted in 1950, on chalky terroir, located near the village of Oger and classified as 100% Grand Cru in the Côte des Blancs.
Cepage: 2018 - 65%, 2014 through 2017 - 35%
Soil: chalky limestone
Vinification: 2018 ages 50% in steel vats, 50% in used wooden foudre (large barrels) and the remaining wine is from solera of 2014-2017 then the blend is aged on the lees for 36 months
Stéphane Regnault, a true Renaissance man, shifted from aerospace engineering to sommelier roles in vibrant London and Paris. In 2007, he took over his family’s vineyards in Le Mesnil sur Oger. Crafting Champagne exclusively from his 4 hectares of certified organic and biodynamic vineyards on the prestigious Côtes des Blancs, Stéphane uses only grapes he meticulously tends himself. An inspired young winemaker and avid jazz saxophonist, Stéphane names his cuvées after jazz modes—ancient musical scales that resonate with the character of his wines. His innovative winemaking approach involves creating a trilogy of site-specific cuvées, each enriched with a perpetual reserve. This tradition began with his debut vintage in 2014.
