Bereche, Coteaux Champenois Blanc, Ay 2022

The 2022 Coteaux Champenois Aÿ is a rare 100% Chardonnay Coteaux Champenois from Aÿ. Bright and punchy, with superb depth, the Coteaux is seriously impressive. More than Chardonnay, though, what comes through is the unique interplay of fruit intensity, textural breadth and minerality that is at the core of what Aÿ is all about. Citrus peel, salt, slate and chalk invite a second taste. I am not the biggest fan of Coteaux Champenois, but Chardonnay in Aÿ can be magical. This is pretty much as good (or great) as it gets, not to mention a stellar debut. At the same time, it's hard not to think about what this parcel could produce with Champagne more than Coteaux Champenois!" -Antonio Galloni