Today we're offering a collection of champagnes from a superstar of Ambonnay, Eric Rodez.
Ambonnay is the most important village on the Montagne de Reims, boasting champagne's finest Pinot Noir vineyards. Eric Rodez has 9 hectares of Pinot Noir planted along the south and southeastern-facing slopes of the cru. The Pinot Noir gives full-bodied structure and a dense fruitiness, while the Chardonnay is more lively, nervous and floral—providing delicacy and a “feminine” counterpart to the Pinot.
Eric works the vineyards in a traditional way, alongside his son Mickaël, just as their grandparents and great-grandparents once worked the soils before them. They have always hesitated to use the word 'organic', because they are not certified. But as a grower, Eric (and now Mickaël) never uses pesticides, fertilizers or synthetic sprays. They have worked biodynamically for several years and in 2012 received the Haute Valeur Environnmentale (HVE) certificate given to farmers who achieve organic farming but also biodiversity and water management on their farms.
In addition to working with the family vineyards, Eric also worked at Krug for several years. It was there (where they are known for blending many different parcels and vintages) that he really developed his passion for blending. While many Champagnes are mostly from one year with perhaps a small amount of the previous vintage or two blended in, Rodez relies heavily on reserve wines and often blends anywhere from 5-10 different vintages in his final cuvées.
All wines are in-stock and available now.
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