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DEVAUX, ‘D DE DEVAUX‘ LA CUVÉE NV CHAMPAGNE MUGNUM,EXQUISTELY BOXED
Producer
Devaux is a dynamic co-operative located in the southern part of Champagne....
It is one of the biggest vineyard holders in the region, with 1,480 hectares in the Aube and the Côte des Blancs. This control over its grape supply is a rarity in Champagne, a region where growers traditionally sell to the houses who control the brands. Due to the favourable southerly location of many of its vineyards, Devaux is a Pinot Noir and Rosé specialist. The quality of the wines illustrates why Tom Stevenson, the UK’s leading writer on Champagne, listed Devaux as one of his top 10 fastest improving producers in Decanter magazine, and why France’s esteemed La Revue du Vin de France voted Devaux as 2010’s Best Co-operative of France.
Vineyards
The Cuvee ‘D’ wines are Devaux’s very best; the grapes are the very best quality from Champagne and so growers who qualify for this high level are paid accordingly. Devaux are Pinot Noir specialists. The majority of their vineyards are located in the Aube where Pinot Noir is the dominant variety. This location, on the slopes of the Côte des Bars, is important; it gives this variety a lovely Pinot Noir richness on the nose and a long finish, yet retains the finesse. Some Chardonnay is included in the blend; this is grown on the fine chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs and Vitry to give liveliness and elegance.
Vinification
The base wine is fermented in stainless steel. 90% of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation to give extra suppleness. Following bottling, the liqueur de tirage is added and the wine has a slow second fermentation in bottle and extended ageing on its lees for over 60 months (the legal minimum is 15 months). This results in a wine with a finer, more persistent mousse and greater potential for complexity. After disgorgement, the wine receives a light Brut dosage of 8g/l. The blend comprises 35% reserve wines from the best vintages of recent years, aged in french oak barrels.
Tasting Notes
The NV ‘Cuvee D’ is rich and sleek and is, in Anthony Rose’s words, a ‘luxuriously toasty, creamy number.’ The Pinot Noir gives body and length to the wine, while the Chardonnay adds elegance and finesse.
| Vintage |
NV |
| Grape varieties |
66% Pinot Noir
34% Chardonnay |
| Region |
Côte des Bar, Champagne |
| Winemaker |
Michel Parisot |
| Closure |
Cork |
| Alcohol (ABV) |
12%% |
