Suenen 'Les Robarts' Grand Cru Cramant Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne, France 2018

Since 2009, Aurelien Suenen has elevated his family’s estate in Cramant to one of the most exciting names in Champagne. Farming prized Chardonnay vines in Chouilly, Cramant, and Oiry, along with select Pinot Noir and Meunier parcels in the Massif de Saint-Thierry, Suenen works with a jeweler’s precision in both vineyard and cellar. Guided early on by his friend Pascal Agrapart, he has developed a philosophy rooted in organic farming, nuanced biodynamic practices, and an uncompromising pursuit of terroir expression.

In the cellar, elevage is equally refined: a balance of oak barrels, enameled steel, and concrete eggs, with fermentations tailored by parcel and vintage. The results are Champagnes of purity, tension, and extraordinary finesse—bottles that speak to connoisseurs and collectors alike. Today, Suenen stands among the Cote des Blancs’ most coveted growers. For those seeking Champagne of rare elegance and precision, his wines are essential.

Les Robarts is a single vineyard release from the Grand Cru of Cramant, comprised of 40+ year-old Chardonnay from the clay and limestone soils of the Lieu-Dit of the same name situated astride Cramant and Avize. Typically a chiseled, yet broad and very expressive wine. Grapes go through pneumatic press, and see no additions of enzymes or chaptalization. Initial fermentation and aging is in 2000L wooden vat for 9 months on the lees. Aging in bottle is for 60 months, and disgorgement was in June of 2023, with 3g/l dosage.

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