Importer notes from Charles Neal Selections:

"Erick (De Sousa) farms 9.2 hectares of vines spread over 42 plots. Most are in the vicinity of Avize (there are old vine parcels in Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Oger and Chouilly), but he also owns vineyards in the Montagne de Reims (mainly Äy and Ambonnay) and has small holdings in the Vallée de la Marne (Mardeuil) and the Côte de Bar (Essoyes). Three quarters of the De Sousa vines are over 45 years of age. Some are 65 and 75 years old.

Conversion to organic methods began in 1989, just three years after Erick took over from his father. Yields from these old vineyards are incredibly low. In 1999, de Sousa began farming his land biodynamically, lowering yields even further. The vineyards are plowed with a horse to help prevent the soils from becoming compact and to promote healthy insect life underground. Because of this labor-intensive work with the soils, the vines often descend up to 10 or 12 meters."

House review from Peter Liem, Champagneguide.net:

"De Sousa's champagnes are bold, assertive and rich, while also demonstrating a marked complexity and finesse. It's no accident that De Sousa is found in many of France's best restaurants, as the refined demeanor of the wines seems to naturally complement the sophistication of haute cuisine."

"Mycorhize" is a vintage Champagne grown in the single vineyard Lieu Dit of Les Hauts Nemery, in the Grand Cru village of Avize. The 80 year old Chardonnay vines are farmed biodynamically, and all vineyard work is done by hand or with the aid of a horse, to minimize compaction of the soils. Elevage occurs in 100% French oak foudres, and dosage is 4 grams per liter.