René Geoffroy Lieu-Dit "Les Houtrants complantés" Premier Cru Brut Nature

Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Arbane und Petit Meslier - field blend planted in 2004 in one plot together and all vinified together!

Dosage: 0g/l

Perpetuum reserve started 2008 

Single-vineyard champagne from the Les Houtrants parcel in Cumières

Soils: upper layer: clay & sandy soil, below: Chalk rock 

Maturation of the base wines in stainless steel 

Matured under cork 

4-5 years bottle ageing 

Only approx. 1000 bottles!

In the parcel Les Houtrants, Geoffroy planted in 2004 a mixed set of five varieties (Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Arbane and Petit Meslier). The aim is to bring out the Cumières terroir in the best way. The topsoil here contains a lot of clay and silt, interspersed with flint fragments. The subsoil contains sandstone and limestone marl. In order not to compact the soil and to keep it as healthy as possible, this vineyard is cultivated by horse. The grapes are harvested together and vinified in enamel tanks. Wood is avoided so as not to affect the flavor.

Les Houtrants is made according to a solera-like system and contains all vintages from 2008 ("single vineyard - multi vintage"). There is no malolactic fermentation and no filtration. About 1,000 bottles are bottled annually. They are closed in the traditional way with natural corks instead of the usual crown corks. The bottles are numbered and strictly limited.
This Brut Nature has seductive depth. Wonderfully complex, full-bodied and powerful, yet always light-footed and precise. The striking freshness challenges the palate in the best way. Shows class and independent character

Tilman AUG24: Rather restrained on the nose and characterised by the white grape varieties, i.e. slightly floral, citrusy, a little grapefruit. Initially extremely fresh on the palate, almost tangy, striking acidity, which is quickly integrated into a more ripe flavour, a little brioche, plus more and more red fruit and spice. This has power and pushes across the palate, but nestles wonderfully at the end and lingers for a really long time. Wow! It will certainly be exciting to follow this over a longer period of time (both in the glass and in the bottle). 

Antonio Galloni Vintage NV – 95P: The NV Brut Nature is a wine of seduction and class. Bright, bold and punchy, the Houtrants offers beguiling complexity from the blend of Pinot Noir, Meunier, Chardonnay, Petit Meslier and Arbanne. The current release is very fine, airy and light on its feet, with terrific freshness and plenty of cut. I loved it.