Lahaye/Benoît Brut Champagne Violaine 2016

96 points Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France 2023 (La Revue du Vin de France): “We’ve fallen head over heels for Violaine, vinified without added sulfur: a pinot noir/chardonnay blend with a perfume of great purity that weaves a creamy, lacy fulle, with a masterful saline finish. (2023)”

Importer notes: “The first cuvée of Violaine was 2008. 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay, from vines planted in 1989 and 1990. 50% from ‘Les Argentières’ (Tauxières) and 50% from ‘les Monts des Tours’ (Bouzy). The soil consists of brown chalk. Planting density: 8400 plants/hectare. Root-stock: 41B. Pruning type: Cordon de Royat and Chablis. The grapes are pressed separately for the two parcels, without sulfite. 1 or 2 stirring of lees (bâtonnage). Bottled without filtration. No sulfite added. No Dosage. 150 cases produced.”