Intense fruit aromas of lemon, pineapple, passion fruit and peach are supported by notes of mint and very delicate toast. The presence on the palate is striking: the 2013 Comtes de Champagne combines body and breadth with remarkable concentration. It is the incisive acidity and pronounced minerality that create a sense of perfect balance. We have rarely encountered a Blanc de Blancs of such intensity.
The 2013 vintage unites the ripeness and intensity of Comtes 2012 with the structural precision of 2008.
Due to its late ripening, 2013 is not considered a strong year for Pinot Noir; exceptions such as Cristal merely confirm the rule. Many wines lack density and substance, which explains the general scepticism surrounding the vintage.
For the Côte des Blancs, however, 2013 is a great year, comparable in quality to 2008. The winter was colder than usual and brought snowfall. Spring remained cool and wet, delaying flowering until late July. An exceptionally sunny and warm summer allowed the vines to fully compensate for these delays. Chardonnay harvesting began on 1 October — remarkably late by today’s standards, as harvests now often start as early as August.
→ All (almost) detail about Comtes de Champagne: Vintages, Vinification and History
A glance at the Alfavin cellar
A glance at the Alfavin cellar
A glance at the Alfavin Cellar