Wine Description & Tasting Notes
A Prestigious Champagne of Elegance and Complexity
Crafted exclusively from 100% Chardonnay grapes, Castelnau Blanc de Blancs Brut Millésime 2006 is a testament to the artistry of Champagne Castelnau, a house renowned for its extended aging and dedication to quality. This vintage Champagne offers a stunning balance of rich texture, vibrant acidity, and deep complexity, making it a standout choice for both collectors and lovers of fine sparkling wines.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Aromas of brioche, toasted almonds, and candied citrus lead the way, followed by delicate floral hints and a touch of honey. With time in the glass, layers of minerality and hazelnut emerge, showcasing the wine’s maturity and finesse.
Palate:Rich and expressive, the palate reveals crisp green apple, lemon zest, and ripe peach, balanced by a refined acidity and creamy texture. The long lees aging imparts a silky mousse and adds depth, bringing out flavors of baked pastry, roasted nuts, and subtle spice.
Finish:The finish is long, elegant, and mineral-driven, leaving behind lingering notes of citrus, toasted bread, and a delicate salinity, characteristic of the finest Blanc de Blancs Champagnes.
Food Pairing Recommendations
The finesse and complexity of Castelnau Blanc de Blancs Brut Millésime 2006 make it an ideal companion for a range of sophisticated dishes:
- Seafood: Fresh oysters, lobster, or scallop carpaccio highlight the wine’s minerality.
- Poultry: Roasted chicken with truffle butter or turkey with a citrus glaze.
- Cheese: Aged Comté, Parmesan, or goat cheese complement its nutty and citrusy notes.
- Fine Appetizers: Smoked salmon, caviar, or foie gras on toasted brioche.
Vineyard & Winemaking Excellence
Champagne Castelnau sources grapes from Premier Cru vineyards across the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs, regions famed for producing high-quality Chardonnay. The 2006 vintage, characterized by warm growing conditions and optimal ripeness, allowed for the development of exceptional fruit concentration while maintaining the freshness necessary for long aging.
This Blanc de Blancs spent over a decade aging on lees, far beyond the standard for vintage Champagnes. This extended maturation enhances its rich texture, depth, and refined autolytic character, setting it apart as a Champagne of remarkable elegance.
Champagne Castelnau – A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1916, Champagne Castelnau has built a reputation for long lees aging and meticulous craftsmanship, creating wines with depth, complexity, and exceptional longevity. Based in the heart of Reims, the house focuses on expressing the terroir-driven elegance of Chardonnay, particularly in its vintage Blanc de Blancs offerings.
Awarded “Best in Show” (97/100) by Decanter World Wine Awards 2024