Ambonnay, on the Montagne de Reims, is one of 17 villages in Champagne rated as Grand Cru. The Déthune family is one of the oldest here, having tended vines on the village’s privileged slopes since the early 17th century. Today Pierre Déthune and his wife Sophie have 7ha planted with to 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, all entirely within the Ambonnay Grand Cru vineyard and all farmed according to biodynamic principles. The house and outbuildings in rough-cast stone are beautifully covered with ivy that changes colour symbolically with the seasons. Handsome oak foudres and 205 litre pieces, the oak for which is sourced from local forests, show the couple’s respect for the best of tradition, though their Champagnes now have an extra dimension of quality from constant modern improvements. The Brut NV is mineral and fresh, with a fine mousse and aromas of warm brioche. It has great length and elegance. The remarkable Rosé, which is made by the more difficult saignée method, has a salmon-pink colour, a delicate effervescence, complex red fruit aromas and a long finish. The Blanc de Noir is 100% Pinot Noir elaborated in oak barrels according the oldest Champagne tradition. It has a fine mousse, with aromas of vanilla, crystallised fruit and sous-bois, and notes of spices, and is delightful both as an aperitif or to accompany complex dishes.


CHAMPAGNE PAUL DÉTHUNE, Ambonnay

Single

6+

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NV CHAMPAGNE GRAND CRU Brut £42.95 £40.00
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NV CHAMPAGNE GRAND CRU Brut Magnum £95.00 £90.00
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NV CHAMPAGNE GRAND CRU Brut Jeroboam £210.00 £200.00
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NV CHAMPAGNE GRAND CRU Blanc de Noirs Brut £59.95 £56.00
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NV CHAMPAGNE ROSÉ GRAND CRU Brut £50.95 £48.00
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NV CUVEE PRESTIGE PRINCESSE DES THUNES Grand Cru Brut £71.95 £67.50
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2014/15 CHAMPAGNE GRAND CRU Blanc de Noirs “Les Crayères” £98.95 £93.50
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2013 CUVÉE A L’ANCIENNE GRAND CRU Brut £113.95 £107.00
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