$35.99 6+ (code: 6saves2)

“Les Greffiers” is the latest of the bubble cuves that tienne Bodet produced with his wife Kim at withinBodet-Herold. It is a pure Chenin from a terroir of oxford marl soils located in the Saumur region. The wines are of coursetraditional method (champenoise) and is completely input-free (no added sulphite). The duration aging sur latteis24 months. The disgorging took place in December 2023, completely without dosage (Brut Nature).

Definitely in a much higher class than what we can find generally in the Cremantdesignation. Etienne’s experiencesmaking wine in Champagne and a better understanding of his plots over the years has given him the ability and confidence to start new cuvees that stand out for their exceptional individuality.The bubbles are thick and frothy, with nice elegance, as is the aromatic profile of white fruits and a little hint of brioche. The palate is very dynamic, with nice acidity which brings tension and a nice salivating finish that is nice andchalky.

Grape:Chenin Blanc
Dosage:0g/L – Brute Nature
Vinification:Whole cluster pressing at low pressure, separation of first press and end-of-press must, ambient yeast fermentation, blocked malolactic fermentation, briefly aged in stainless steel tank, bottled in spring, further aging on lattes for 24months, low dosage.

Last year we took the Cremant wines Aerlinn rose and Physis Brut Nature for a spin and we were veryimpressed!A couple months ago TheWall Street Journal’s Lettie Teague did the same and called the Physis her #1 affordable sparkling wine. (LINK)

Lettie Teague (WSJ):The terrifically energetic, lithe 2019 Bodet-Herold Physis Extra Brut Crmant de Loire ($38) was made from selected plots in Saumur, almost entirely from Chenin Blanc. The name Physis means nature in harmonious order according to winemaker Etienne Bodet, a Saumur native who has worked in both Burgundy and Champagne.

These Champagne method bubbles have a thick mousse on the pour with fine beaded bubble persistence. The weightis medium bodied, notsurprising given thezerodosage (brut nature).What I thought worked particularly well was thedepthof aroma and flavorconsidering the finesse and eleganceof these wines. The aroma andflavor intensitywereexcellent, with a fresh and elegant finish.