rating A

standout for some, the grower-producer

about founded in 1894 by Arthur Agrapart—unusually producing wine from the incept, rather than graduating from growers to producers. In the 1950s, Pierre Agrapart focused on quality which was continued by his sons Fabrice and Pascal, developing the reputation of the winery as one of the foremost grower-producers. The brothers formally split in the early 2000s; the aim, with Pascal’s son Amboise now on-board, is to move the name on all bottlings from Agrapart & Fils to Pascal Agrapart. Either way, Agrapart was ahead of many producers, influencing current trends with a concentrated focus on the vineyard and the expression of terroir in the wines. Agrapart are in Avize and the wines are Chardonnay based, with a linear, razor-sharp structure.

wines tasted

“Les 7 Crus” Brut NV ($70)

90% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir. The introductory wine coming, as the name suggests, from seven villages in Côte de Blancs, both Premier Cru and Grand Cru. Three years on the lees, with 6g/l dosage. Zesty, saline, and lean, with bracing acidity.

“Terroirs” Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru NV ($80)

100% Chardonnay from fifty- to sixty-year-old vines in the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Oger, Cramant, and Oiry. Usually based on two concurrent vintages. 4g/l dosage. Precise expression of the finest Chardonnay.

website http://www.champagnepascalagrapart.com/

email adrien.bergere@champagne-andre-bergere.com

phone + 33 3 26 57 51 38

address 57 Avenue Jean Jaurès, Avize