Champagne Guiborat Téthys.18 Extra Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, Cramant, France

Practicing organic. 100% Chardonnay. Sourced from 4 parcels in Grand Cru villages in the Cote de Blancs. From Cramant – Les Bergeries (planted in 1984) and from Chouilly – Le Mont Aigu (planted in 1970 and 1979) and Les Caurés (planted in 1946 and 1998) along with 5th parcel, Les Briquettes (planted in 1969) from Oiry. Chalk is the dominant soil type in all his parcels though here there are some alluvial and clay top soils interspersed with the pure chalk. The grapes from each parcel are kept separate and vinified individually in stainless steel to keep the identity of each terroir. After fermentation the base wines have a lengthy elevage on their lees (at least 7 months) until assemblage and bottling the following Spring. In Richard’s quest for an absolute minimum of intervention and transparency, malo is blocked on the base wines for every cuvee except this one- where a small amount is permitted. Tethys – named after the Greek goddess of the sea and the name of the ancient ocean which previously covered Champagne- emphasizes the pleasure and fruit of Chardonnay. Currently 2018 vintage. Aged for a minimum of 30 months on the lees in the chalk cellars beneath the winery before disgorgement. Dosage of 5.5 g/l. Aged an additional 6 months after disgorgement before release.