Notes from A&P Imports:

"The Rodez family has been making wine for nine generations, beginning as far back as 1757.  The estate of Champagne Rodez is located in the Grand Cru that is Ambonnay, the heart of Pinot Noir country, and spans an area of 6.12 hectares.  The property consists of 35 parcels of vines, and the grape varietals planted are 62% Pinot Noir and 38% Chardonnay.  The vineyards are planted at a fairly high altitude (about 130 meters), and are situated on a clay-limestone soil, two factors which are ideal for growing Pinot Noir.

Eric Rodez, current vineyard manager and head oenologist for the estate, has worn many hats in his day.  Not only was he at one time the Mayor of Ambonnay, but he was also formerly an oenologist at Krug where he developed his winemaking/blending methods that would later be employed on his own estate.  Eric, along with his wife Martine and son Mickael, manages all aspects of the winemaking process at Champagne Rodez."

About the cuvee:

"Overview: This Champagne is exclusively made out of the juices from several years’ first pressings of the best vintaged productions.  Among the choices of wines offered by Champagne Rodez, the Cuvée des Grands Vintages is the Champagne one wishes to offer to celebrate the important moments of one’s life, with its golden color, with hints of copper and sometimes of light orange.

Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Average Age of the Vines: 34 years old

Origin of the Grapes: Terroir d’Ambonnay, contrées: Les Secs, Les Beurys, Les Goisses, Les Genettes, Les Vaux Saint Basle, Les Fournettes, Le Noyer Saints Pys, Les Morrins

Vinification: Out of barrels 100%; no malolactic fermentation.

Disgorged 11/23”