Champagne Stéphane Regnault, Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 'Dorien' No. 29 NV

This cuvée highlights grapes from a specific plot (“lieu-dit” in French) called Hautes Mottes. Two-thirds of the juice ages in steel vats and one-third ages in second-hand Burgundy barrels. Then, once it is blended, the Champagne ages sur lie for more than four years before disgorgement. This plot is known for its structured top soil, pure compact chalk and clover-based grass cover.

'Dorien 29' is 100% Chardonnay, from vines planted between 1950 and 1980. This is the second release of Dorien, bottled from the perpetual solera of the  'Hautes-Mottes' vineyard comprising 2 vintages, 2014 and 2015 (which add up to 29) 2500 bottles produced.

See: White-blond with delicate bubbles 

Smell: Lemon zest, hyacinth petals and dusty chalk

Taste: Meyer lemon and green apple skin with salty sea air, stony minerality and pungent sweet florals. Delicate, fresh and structured. 

Pair: This Champagne goes swimmingly with sashimi or shucked oysters and a squeeze of lemon. It is also a perfect counterpoint to fried chicken, soft scrambled eggs with a dollop of caviar, or buttery-crusted quiche Lorraine.

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.