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 45' is 100% Chardonnay, from vines planted between 1950 and 1980. This is the third release of Dorien, from three vintages, 2014, 2015 and 2016 disgorged in 2022. All future bottlings will come from the solera started in 2014. 4000 bottles produced.
See: Duckling yellow with tiny, intense bubbles
Smell: Fresh lemon and wet stone. Bright and fragrant.
Taste: Lush and complex with notes of apple and pear, floral white muscat and green tea leaves. Chalky minerality, bright acidity and a lingering finish.
Pair: Go casual chic with Pringle potato chips topped with crème fraîche and a dollop of California white sturgeon caviar. Or, pair this cuvée with a comfort-snack favorite like fried mozzarella sticks and fresh marinara.
Village: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
Region: Côtes des Blancs
Vintage: 2018 base vintage with 2014 - 2017 perpetual reserve
Varietal: 100% chardonnay
Disgorgement: 06/23
Dosage: 1 g/l
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.
