2018 Agrapart & Fils Brut Blanc de Blancs Mineral Grand Cru
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The 2018 Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Minéral, disgorged in August 2024 with three grams per liter dosage, introduces the range of vintage wines. Defined by poor soils with just about 50 centimeters of topsoil, it comes from two chalk-based, old-vine parcels: Le Champ Bouton in Avize (vinified in tank) and Les Bionnes in Cramant (vinified in an old 600-liter barrel). “In 2017, we lost about 50% to 60% due to frost, then in 2018 we harvested three times the volume of 2017,” reveals Ambroise Agrapart, who is now making the wines, though his father is still very much present. More generously structured compared to the 2016 yet more precise than the 2017, it wafts from the glass with notes of tangerine zest, green apple and dried white flowers. Nakedly chalky with electric-like acidity, it maintains its reputation as the most tensile wine in the range, capturing the freshness much better than many other wines of this vintage.
Critic scores
The Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2018 Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Minéral, disgorged in August 2024 with three grams per liter dosage, introduces the range of vintage wines. Defined by poor soils with just about 50 centimeters of topsoil, it comes from two chalk-based, old-vine parcels: Le Champ Bouton in Avize (vinified in tank) and Les Bionnes in Cramant (vinified in an old 600-liter barrel). “In 2017, we lost about 50% to 60% due to frost, then in 2018 we harvested three times the volume of 2017,” reveals Ambroise Agrapart, who is now making the wines, though his father is still very much present. More generously structured compared to the 2016 yet more precise than the 2017, it wafts from the glass with notes of tangerine zest, green apple and dried white flowers. Nakedly chalky with electric-like acidity, it maintains its reputation as the most tensile wine in the range, capturing the freshness much better than many other wines of this vintage.
The 2018 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Minéral Grand Cru is impressive, especially for the year. As always, the Minéral is a blend from the Champboutons and Bionnes lieux-dits in Avize and Cramant, respectively. Creamy and resonant, with exquisite balance, the 2018 has so much to offer. Expressive floral, earthy and savory undertones frame a core of Chardonnay fruit. Vinification and aging in oak further softens the contours. Time in the glass amplifies the wine’s strong mineral accents. The 2018 is, quite simply, pristine. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: May 2024.
About the producer
Undoubtedly one of the top growers in the Côte des Blancs, Agrapart has a unique traditional approach to producing Champagne, with the result being a loyal and fanatical following who adore this lean and precise style of wine.