Dame de Carreau 'Cuvee Blancs Vrais' Extra Brut Millesime, Champagne, France

2018 Dame de Carreau Cuvée Blancs Vrais Extra Brut Millésime, Champagne, France, pays homage to the rare and storied Pinot Blanc vines of Celles-sur-Ource, where this elusive variety quietly thrives in limestone-rich soils. Named after the historic local nickname “blancs vrais,” this cuvée offers a luminous, singular interpretation of Champagne’s lesser-known white grape, capturing both its rustic charm and aromatic finesse in a sleek, mineral-driven expression.

Product Details:

• Winemaker: Oriane Carreau
• ABV: 12%
• Dosage: Extra Brut (3 g/L residual sugar)
• Grape Composition: 100% Pinot Blanc
• Soil Type: Clay and limestone
• Vine Age: 40 years (average)
• Farming: Organic/Biodynamic (uncertified)
• Fermentation: Native yeasts; low-intervention vinification
• Aging Vessel: Stainless steel
• Fining/Filtering: Unfined; filtered (0.4 microns)
• Sulfites: 67 mg/L
• Vegan-Friendly: Yes

Sensory Description:

The nose bursts with crisp green apple and citrus blossom, immediately drawing you into its precise aromatics. On the palate, a linear profile unfolds with lemon zest, candied pineapple, and a cleansing mineral freshness. A graceful finish lingers with floral notes of lily of the valley and verbena, lightly spiced with white pepper, delivering a refined and contemplative close to each sip.

Awards & Accolades:

• 1 Star – Le Guide Hachette des Vins (2024, 2018 Vintage)
• Gold – Vinalies Internationales (2024, 2018 Vintage)
• Grand Gold – Vinalies Internationales (2023, 2018 Vintage)

Winemaker's Background:

Oriane Carreau carries on her family’s deep winemaking roots in Celles-sur-Ource, working alongside her father Lionel in their six-hectare domaine. With just 1.92 hectares allocated to the Dame de Carreau label, Oriane focuses on rare cuvées and precision viticulture. Each wine is a tribute to the land, vintage, and grape, handled with the lightest possible touch to let nature take the lead. Her organic, low-intervention approach is guided by passion, restraint, and an abiding respect for biodiversity and terroir.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 46–50°F in a tulip flute to preserve its delicate mousse and amplify its perfume. Ideal pairings include poached white fish with citrus beurre blanc, goat cheese salad with fennel and apple, or steamed dumplings with lemongrass and herbs.

2018 Dame de Carreau Cuvée Blancs Vrais Extra Brut Millésime, Champagne, France, is a graceful nod to Champagne’s past and a striking example of its future. This refined, quietly complex blanc de blancs offers a rare glimpse into the subtle power of Pinot Blanc when allowed to shine on its terms.