rating A-

standout modern but traditional Côte des Bars producer

about 11ha of plantings in Avize, the winery’s foundations date back to 1899 with the first wine produced in 1938. All wines (except the rosé which is 87% Chardonnay) are 100% Chardonnay, representative of Côte des Blancs. All wines are also non-vintage, reflecting the importance of blending in Champagne. The winery is now run by two brothers, Pascal and Vincent. 60,000 bottles (5,000 cases) produced annually. Ratafia also made.

wines tasted

Cuvée Réserve NV ($75)

100% Chardonnay from four consecutive vintages. 30 months on the lees, with 9g/l dosage. Nice combination of creamy richness, spicy finish, and lean acidity balanced by the small amount of sugar.

“Mongamin” NV ($100)

100% Chardonnay from a single parcel with 80-year-old vines in Avize called “Le Chantraines.” 30% of the wine is fermented and aged in new oak before bottling, followed by five years lees ageing. Dosage is 3g/l for a dry, high acid style, maintaining vibrancy with citrus, green apple aromas with more developed spice, caramel aromas. The first wine released back in 1938, it’s named after the nickname the founder, Maurice Assailly, gave to his son.

website https://www.champagneassailly.com/en/

email champagne.assailly@wanadoo.fr

phone +33 3 26 57 51 20

address 4-6 rue de Lombardie, Avize