Sparkling Wines Unspecified Agrapart & Fils - Vénus - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Agrapart & Fils Cuvée Vénus 2018 is an exceptional Blanc de Blancs Champagne, made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. This cuvée originates from a single plot named ‘La Fosse’, notably cultivated with respect for biodynamic principles and worked by horse, lending the wine its unique name. The 2018 vintage stands out with low dosage, classified as Brut Nature, which highlights the purity of the terroir and grape. Natural vinification is practised at Agrapart, with wild fermentations and extended ageing on the lees, enhancing complexity, texture and minerality. The result is a Champagne both taut and expressive, with remarkable precision and refinement.

The Agrapart estate is situated in the esteemed Côte des Blancs subregion, one of Champagne’s crown jewels, thanks to its unique chalk soils and cool continental climate. These pure chalk subsoils in villages like Avize, from which the Cuvée Vénus hails, imbue wines with striking minerality and finesse. The region’s history is rich, shaped by generations of grower-producers who focus on expressing the subtleties of their plots rather than blending across villages. Agrapart & Fils stands at the pinnacle of this grower movement, dedicating themselves to minimal intervention and a deep understanding of their terroir.

Given the wine’s crystalline finesse, racy acidity and subtle autolytic notes, it pairs beautifully with delicate dishes that showcase freshness and texture. Try it alongside fresh oysters, scallop carpaccio, or sashimi to echo the wine’s minerality. For a nod to the region’s culinary heritage, consider pairing with a tartare de bar or a simple Dover sole meunière. Aged cheeses like Comté or Parmigiano also resonate with the wine’s salty undertones.

For optimal tasting, serve Agrapart Cuvée Vénus 2018 well-chilled at 8-10°C. A large tulip-shaped Champagne glass will enable the wine to express both its aromatic complexity and graceful bubbles. Allow the wine a few minutes in the glass to reveal its full spectrum of aromas and subtle evolution. This is a Champagne for moments of true appreciation and makes a superb addition to any connoisseur’s cellar.