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standout small, Chardonnay-based producer in Montagne de Reims

about Noël and Magali Bazin were born and raised in Champagne, making their first wine in 1999. Based in the Montagne de Reims Premier Cru village of Villers-Marmery, with plantings in the Grand Cru village of Verzy as well. In total, they have just over 3ha of vineyards (all Chardonnay) which are divided into 25 parcels, demonstrating the producer's keen attention to where exactly the grapes are coming from. Just 1,500 cases produced in total.

wines tasted

“L’unanime” Blanc de Blancs Brut NV ($60)

65% of this Blanc de Blancs—unusual to find in Montagne de Reims—comes from the 2020 vintage, the rest of it is reserve wine. A solera system is used for the reserve wines to provide consistency and evolving complexity, with some set aside in oak barrels to add a roundness to the final wine. 8g/l of sugar in the dosage: this Blanc de Blancs is not too lean.

“L'exigeante” Blanc de Blancs Millésime ($72)

50-year-old vines from Villers-Marmery, with 6g/l dosage. Typical of the producer, a fresh, fruit-forward, elegant style, generous and lean at the same time.

“La pimpante” Rosé NV ($60)

10% Pinot Noir for fruit and colour, from the village of Verzenay. 35% of the wine comes from a solera system established in the 1980s. 25% of the base wine is aged in oak which gives a creamy richness balanced by lean acidity. Fruity, floral, generous, and elegant.

website https://www3.champagne-noel-bazin.fr/

email contact@champagne-bazin.fr

phone +33 3 26 97 97 07

address 1 rue Périn, Villers-Marmery