Tasting Notes
Textures is a rare, 100% Pinot Blanc Champagne crafted from vines in the Fonnet vineyard, planted between 1995 and 2000. Gautherot describes it as his “easiest” wine, referring to it being the most approachable when young. There is certainly more fleshy texture (hence the name), more fruit, and an easier-going persona than found in his Blanc d’Argile. There is also plenty of intensity, complexity and fabulous poise.
The grapes were fermented and raised in large, buried Georgian amphora and used oak barrels, as well as a couple of Italian dolia, for roughly nine months before blending. The bulbous-shaped amphora, crafted by the last Georgian family specialising in this particular shape, affords Gautherot the kind of lees contact and minimal oxidation he is looking for. A portion of the fruit was also fermented and macerated on skins. After blending, the wine then spent roughly 18 months on lees in bottle. Sadly, this cuvée is no longer being produced as the vineyard that supplied this wine has been taken back by Bertrand’s brother, so this will be one of the final releases—cherish it while you can! - Importer Note
An increased focus on the environment and an awareness of sustainable agriculture have given rise to a huge increase in organic viticulture. This is an exciting area of growth in the world of wine, and if done right, one that leads to better wines, healthier vines and soils, and less stress on the earth.
But what makes a wine organic?
Organic wine refers to a method of farming, rather than winemaking. It all starts in the vineyard, where vignerons and viticulturalists no longer use synthetic or systemic pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers. Instead they opt for organic compounds such as copper and sulfur, which can help reduce he pressure of disease and pests. This results in much better vine and soil health, with no unwanted chemicals leeching into local rivers and waterways through run-off.
Organic farming is not to be confused with Biodynamic farming which, although similar, is a different approach and requires many more specific practices. These practices such as specific soil preparations, and lunar-cycle harvesting are not necessary to achieve an organic system.
It is important to note that organic wines can still have sulphur dioxide added to them. Sulphur is an organic compound, and therefore winemakers are free to add it to their wines, and still achieve organic certification. Winemakers will often add sulphur to help stabilise the wine and protect it from oxygen come bottling time. The wine will still be completely organic, assuming the proper farming practices have been adhered to.
| Product Type | Wine Sparkling Champagne |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Sub Region | Aube |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |