CHAMPAGNE FRESNE-DUCRET NV Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru Brut Nature 'Arquemie No.6'

This is a Blanc de Noirs that is 100% Pinot Noir (and no Pinot Meunier!)

Husband & wife team with their names reflected in the Champagne name.  They cultivate six hectares (9.5 acres) of Premier Cru (rated) vineyards.  The Fresne family have been growing grapes in Champagne for 180 years. 

First things first, this is a Blanc de Noirs – white (wine) made from red grape(s).  That means it could also have Pinot Meunier, the ‘other’ red grape varietal used in the elaboration of Champagne.  This Blanc de Noirs, however, is 100% Pinot Noir only.  Many of the Blanc de Noirs have both red varietals in their mix.

This is another fine example of small, artisanal production Champagne!  Only 200 cases of this wine were produced.  ‘Arquemie No. 6’ is a reference to the love for the ancient art of alchemy.  Non-vintage Champagne production includes numerous approaches to the art of blending, measuring & tasting.

Disgorged: November 2022 after six years on its lees before this date.  The back label informs us that two thirds of the wine is vintage 2015 with a third of reserve wine (Solera) added to the wine thus it cannot be a ‘vintage’ Champagne.

This ‘Brut Nature,’ is extremely dry.  There is no ‘dosage’ or sugar dose.  Zero dosage – an increasing trend in great Champagne.  Remember the expression: “Brut is Passe.”  Dry Champagne is currently popular like never before!