Sparkling Wines Champagne Agrapart & Fils - Vénus - 2014

Viniou Reviews

Agrapart & Fils' Cuvée Vénus 2014 is a truly remarkable expression of Champenois terroir. This blanc de blancs Champagne hails from 100% Chardonnay, sourced from a single prized parcel—La Fosse—located in Avize, at the heart of the Côte des Blancs. The vineyard, cultivated biodynamically, imbues the wine with an unmistakable sense of place. Vinification is precise and respectful of tradition, with careful pressing and fermentation in oak barrels, minimal intervention, and an extended maturation on lees. The result, under the Brut Nature style, is a Champagne uncompromised by dosage, highlighting the purity and complexity of the fruit. The 2014 vintage was marked by a cool summer and a long ripening season, contributing finesse, tension, and depth to the wine.

The Champagne region, in north-eastern France, is renowned for its chalky soils, which bring a hallmark minerality and elegance to the wines. The cool continental climate preserves acidity, crucial for the liveliness and ageing capacity of Champagne. With centuries of winemaking history, the region has mastered the art of crafting sparkling wines by way of the traditional method, with the Côte des Blancs particularly celebrated for its Chardonnay-driven styles. Agrapart & Fils is regarded as one of the leading growers, committed to sustainable viticulture and highlighting the nuances of individual parcels.

This cuvée offers magnificent gastronomic versatility. Its steely structure and vibrant acidity are outstanding with delicate seafood—think oysters, scallop carpaccio, or sashimi. Classic Champagne accompaniments like sole meunière or turbot in beurre blanc are sublime pairings, while local specialties such as Chaource cheese or a light quenelle de brochet elegantly echo the wine's finesse. The tension and length of Cuvée Vénus also suit contemporary dishes featuring citrus or subtle herbs.

For a full appreciation of its aromatic precision and complexity, serve Agrapart & Fils Cuvée Vénus 2014 at 8-10°C, ideally in a white wine glass to allow the wine to express its full bouquet. Consider decanting very briefly to open up the delicate notes, and savour as it evolves in the glass.