Domaine Nowack 'Les Arpents Rouges' Extra Brut 2019

60% Meunier. 40% Chardonnay

Valle de la Marne, Champagne, France

VINTAGE: 2019
DOSAGE: Zero (5 g/L RS - Extra Brut)

Parcel: Les Arpents Rouges in Vandieres located in the lower altitude slopes (Bas-Coteau) of Flavien's vineyards in the Valle de la Marne. Vine Age: Planted in 1987. Soil: clay on sandstone. Altitude: 50-100 meters. This is Flavien’s answer to how one makes Champagne using the simplest methods (least manipulation, fewest additives) he could apply. Spontaneous primary fermentation in barrel (228 liter) with ageing done in neutral barrels, without any topping up, for the vin clair. The vin clair is not chaptalized, fined, filtered, or cold stabilized and naturally goes through malo on its own in the Spring. Ageing on the cork for secondary fermentation using MCR. No added SO2 at any point.  No dosage but 5 g/L remain after secondary fermentation.

Flavien Nowack is an 8th generation grower and visionary winemaker working in his home village of Vandières. His 10 hectares (~25 acres) of vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically, with a focus on restoring biodiversity through trees, cover crops, and a variety of wildlife. These bubbles are fermented naturally with minimal sulfur, extended aging in oak, and often five years or more under cork/capsule before release. The result is elegant, fresh, mineral, textured, and delicate Champagne. Nowack stands out in our Champagne selection for being drier/leaner than most!