D Millésimé

Côte des Bar

Devaux

Devaux is a boutique Champagne brand located in Bar-sur-Seine in the southerly Aube...

region of Champagne, some 60km north of Burgundy. Thanks to this favourable southerly location, Devaux is a Pinot Noir and rosé specialist. The house was founded in 1846, and was family owned for generations. In 1987, in the absence of a family heir, ownership was passed to a united group of winegrower families, known today as the "Groupe Vinicole Champagne Devaux". Thanks to being owned by these growers, Devaux can boast total control over its grape supply which is a rarity in Champagne, a region where growers traditionally sell to the houses who control the brands.

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Vineyards

The Cuvee 'D' wines are Devaux's very best; the grapes are the very best quality from Champagne and so their growers who qualify for this high level are paid accordingly. Devaux is a Pinot Noir specialist and as such the majority of their vineyards are located in the Aube where Pinot Noir is the dominant variety. This location, on the slopes of the Côte des Bars, is important; it gives this variety a lovely Pinot Noir richness on the nose and a long finish, yet retains the finesse. Chardonnay is grown on the fine chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs to give liveliness and elegance to the blend.

Vinification

The wine was fermented in stainless steel, followed by malolactic fermentation to give extra suppleness. Following fermentation, the liqueur de tirage was added and the wine underwent a slow second fermentation in bottle, and extended ageing on its lees for five years. This resulted in a wine with a finer, more persistent mousse and greater potential for complexity. After disgorgement, the wine received a Brut dosage of under 9g/l.

Tasting Notes

The 2002 shows a complex mix of biscuit and brioche with elegant buttery and toasted notes on the nose. Aromas of candied fruits and nutmeg follow, with some citrus fruits too. The palate is full-flavoured, combining balance of structure, finesse and freshness. Rich, red Pinot fruit matches the crisp lemon, bergamot and brioche character on the long, scented finish.

Vintage Information

Vintage 2002
Grape varieties 52% Chardonnay
48% Pinot Noir
Region Côte des Bar, Champagne
Winemaker Michel Parisot
Alcohol (ABV) 12%
Acidity 4.6g/l
Residual Sugar 8.8g/l
Wine pH 3.04