Agrapart NV Champagne Extra Extra Brut ‘7 Cru’ France

An under-the-radar producer in Champagne known for precision and a high bar for quality is Agrapart, located in the in the village of Avize in the Cote de Blancs.

Established in 1894, brother Pascal and Fabrice are the 4^th generation to tend limestone and chalky soils where Chardonnay is elevated to another world. They own 7 hectar of vines and the differences between each row and plot are profound. With some of the oldest vines in the area, the brothers seem to balance racy acidity of the Cote de Blancs with a punch of opulent fruit thanks to the low production of each vine. The “7 Cru’s” is considered to be entry-level, yet I order it most often when considering the Agrapart portfolio. 90% Chardonnay with 10% Pinot Noir make up the blend, and the wine sees a full malo-lactic conversion, transforming tart green apple to something a bit creamier, with subtle texture. Balanced and perfect for the cool-ish weather hangs on to the month of May.