Champagne AOC Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Le Fond du Bàteau 2018 Philippe Lancelot

What kind of wine is it

Le Fond du Bàteau by Philippe Lancelot is a Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes grown in the prestigious village of Chouilly. Its style encapsulates the pure expression of the Côte des Blancs, delivering a dry, precise, and elegant profile. The combination of vinification in both wood and steel provides a complex structure, a hallmark that makes this Champagne Grand Cru a benchmark for those seeking a taut and well-defined wine, marked by a distinct sense of place.

Origin

The grapes come from a single plot at the foot of the historic Le Montaigu area, in the commune of Chouilly, situated in the renowned Côte des Blancs. Interestingly, this land was once prized for Pinot Noir cultivation, whereas today it is an ideal terroir for Chardonnay. The vineyard is managed according to strict biodynamic principles, a choice that shapes the wine's character towards maximum purity of expression and mineral definition. This deep bond with the place of origin ensures a recognizable character, backed by the prestigious Grand Cru classification.

How it's made

The clusters are selected and harvested only at perfect ripeness, then sent to a meticulously controlled winemaking process. The initial fermentation strikes a balance, with part in stainless steel and part in wooden barrels—a technique designed to marry aromatic precision with impressive flavor breadth. The wine then undergoes full malolactic fermentation, crucial for softening the grape’s natural acidity and enhancing bouquet complexity. The lack of added sulfites preserves the wine’s natural integrity.

Tasting notes

On pouring, the wine displays a bright golden color, enriched by a fine and very persistent perlage. The bouquet is rich and layered, opening with distinct fruity and mineral notes that define its aromatic character with vibrant freshness. The palate entry is delicate yet assertive, delivering on the promises of the nose with impeccable gustatory balance. A prominent mineral texture drives the progression toward a dry, clean, and orderly finish, perfectly aligned with the Extra Brut style.

Food pairings

Thanks to its measured structure and remarkable sapidity, this label is an excellent aperitif but also robust enough to accompany an entire meal. At the table, it is particularly suited to refined dishes and recipes with clear flavors, maintaining perfect continuity from start to finish. A classic pairing from across the Alps is with coquilles Saint-Jacques, where the buttery component and sweetness of the shellfish are balanced by the wine’s tension. Its innate elegance makes it the perfect companion for sophisticated occasions, where the wine’s clean finish is essential.

Serving occasions

This wine is the ideal choice when you want to serve a crisp, dry wine—a sip that harmoniously blends structure with pleasure. Its smooth yet anything-but-simple profile makes it a star both for a relaxing evening glass or formal dinner, evolving beautifully in the glass without ever tiring. It shines when you want to appreciate Chardonnay in its truest form, handled with the utmost respect for grape and land. The Extra Brut dosing ensures a rewarding tasting experience, ideal for highlighting the natural imprint and freshness of the Côte des Blancs.