Dame de Carreau 'Cuvee Bonnes Bondes' Extra Brut Millesime, Champagne, France

The 2014 Dame de Carreau Cuvée Bonnes Bondes Extra Brut Millésime, Champagne, France, channels both the poetic history of its namesake vineyard and the bold, vinous power of a singular blanc de noirs. Grown on the elevated slopes of one of Celles-sur-Ource’s finest plots, this Champagne offers a profound expression of Pinot Noir purity, structure, and richness. With fruit sourced from 50-year-old vines and handled with minimal intervention, the wine tells a story of dedication to terroir, vintage identity, and artisanal excellence.

Product Details:

• Winemaker: Oriane Carreau
• ABV: 12%
• Dosage: Extra Brut (4 g/L residual sugar)
• Grape Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
• Soil Type: Clay and limestone
• Vine Age: 50 years (average)
• Vineyard Site: Les Bondonnots ("Bonnes Bondes"), 200m above Celles-sur-Ource
• Farming: Organic/Biodynamic (uncertified)
• Fermentation: Native yeasts; low-intervention vinification
• Aging Vessel: Stainless steel
• Fining/Filtering: Unfined; filtered (0.5 microns)
• Sulfites: 36 mg/L
• Vegan-Friendly: Yes

Sensory Description:

Powerful and precise, this blanc de noirs opens with a complex nose of salted butter caramel, crème brûlée, dried apricot, and spice. The mousse is fine and vigorous, giving way to a generous mid-palate of roasted stone fruits and hints of pastry cream, all balanced by a backbone of zesty minerality. The finish is long, dry, and persistent, marked by a remarkable freshness that echoes the high-elevation site and careful élevage.

Winemaker's Background:

Oriane Carreau returned to her family’s six-hectare estate 15 years ago to work alongside her father Lionel. Together, they have cultivated a regenerative, low-intervention approach that focuses on the long-term health of their vines and the transparency of their wines. Oriane’s work centers on a trio of values: championing distinct vineyard parcels, showcasing exceptional vintages, and uplifting rare grape expressions. With just 1.92 hectares in production for Dame de Carreau, Oriane’s Champagnes embody both heritage and forward-thinking precision.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 46–50°F in a tulip glass to highlight the wine’s texture and aromatic range. Ideal pairings include duck breast with cherry reduction, aged Manchego, roasted root vegetables, or simply as a contemplative apéritif with marcona almonds and sea salt.

2014 Dame de Carreau Cuvée Bonnes Bondes Extra Brut Millésime, Champagne, France is more than a vintage Champagne; it's a snapshot of passion, place, and time. With its structure, poise, and expressive power, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Carreau family and the iconic vineyard that inspired it.