Champagne De Sousa - Grand Cru Extra Brut Cuvée 3A

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Érick de Sousa is a highly talented winemaker who has been working on the family estate since 1986, ten hectares in the Côte des Blancs that have been farmed biodynamically for over twenty years. Uncompromising and meticulous, he crafts a range of sparkling wines with pure and nuanced expressions, drawing on the terroirs of Avize, Cramant, Oger, and Le Mesnil, planted with Chardonnay, as well as Aÿ and Ambonnay, planted with Pinot Noir and a little Meunier. The result is a very wide range of champagnes that are different in their approaches but share a family resemblance in their smooth texture and aromatic originality, enhanced by beautifully crafted wood aging. From this point of view, the 3A cuvée seems to us to be representative of this irresistible smoothness, as does the remarkable Mycorhize cuvée, not to mention the Caudalie cuvée, which over the years has become inseparable from the house and its flagship. In terms of vintages, the 2008 holds its own, while the 2010 surprises with its fresh balance in a year renowned for its suppleness. While the noses may sometimes surprise, it is on the palate that one discovers the stylistic charm of this established house.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About wine:

The 3A cuvée, made from equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes harvested in 2020, offers a powerful juice with well-defined flesh and assertive volume without excess.

About the estate:

The estate, now run by the new generation, brilliantly continues the work carried out by the late Eric de Sousa. Charlotte is in charge of sales, Julie takes care of the vines and horse riding, and Valentin works in the cellar. The estate comprises 14 hectares of vines, mainly Chardonnays located on the Grand Cru Avize, as well as Pinot Noir, which comes from the Grands Crus Aÿ and Ambonnay. Certified organic in 2010 and biodynamic in 2013, the estate also benefits from old vines. The controlled management of the oak aging process brings out magnificent, energetic flavors.

James Suckling

About wine:

Very elegant thanks to delicate aromas of tarte tatin, almost winey strawberries and red berries, the freshness of lemon zest and a buttery depth. Some mineral notes. Medium-bodied, it shines with its smoothness, its very lemony acidity with essential oils, and its buttery finish. Made from biodynamically grown grapes certified by Demeter. Drink now or keep.