Wines Champagne André Clouet - Chalky

Viniou Reviews

André Clouet's "Cuvée Chalky" is a non-vintage Champagne, crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, classifying it as a Blanc de Blancs. This cuvée is the result of the traditional method, where secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, granting finesse and complexity to the wine. The non-vintage designation allows the cellar master to blend several years' harvests, striving for consistency and balance. "Chalky" refers not only to the cuvée's refreshing minerality but also to the region's famous chalk soils, which lend a vivid elegance and precision to the wine. Expect a bright, pale gold robe and persistent mousse, while the nose offers subtle notes of citrus, white flowers, green apple and a characteristic smoky minerality. On the palate, the wine is racy, with a crisp acidity and an elegant, lingering finish.

Champagne, located in the northeast of France, is a region renowned for its cool climate shaped by latitude and Atlantic influences. Its unique geology is dominated by chalk subsoils, which provide excellent drainage and impart a distinctive minerality to the wines. Champagne’s long, storied history includes its association with royalty and grand celebrations; today, it remains one of the most revered sparkling wine regions in the world. The best Blanc de Blancs come from carefully tended vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, where Chardonnay expresses its most refined and purest form.

For food pairings, this Champagne Blanc de Blancs is wonderfully versatile. Its crisp acidity and delicate bubbles make it a perfect match for shellfish like oysters, prawns, or scallops, which highlight the wine's subtle saline edge. It also marries beautifully with sushi, sashimi, goats' cheese, or even light poultry dishes. For a regional pairing, consider serving it with gougères—cheese puffs—or delicate fish terrines.

For optimal enjoyment, serve André Clouet "Cuvée Chalky" well-chilled, between 8 and 10°C. Pour into fine flutes or tulip-shaped glasses to best appreciate the aromatic finesse and the elegant effervescence of this distinguished Champagne.