Pertois-Moriset Cramant Grand Cru 2018

Grape: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2018
Type: Sparkling

This sparkling wine is a single-village blanc de blancs from Cramant, the Côte des Blancs grand cru known for the most finely etched, chalk-driven chardonnay in Champagne. It is 100% chardonnay from vines averaging 50 years, bottled in Pertois-Moriset's Mono-Village series alongside its Chouilly sibling. The 2018 harvest rested on its lees until disgorgement in April 2023, more than 4 years later. Where the Chouilly is broad, the Cramant is taut and linear.

It pours a pale straw-gold with a fine, steady bead, opening with lemon zest, white flowers, and crushed chalk. On the palate, the light-to-medium-bodied frame balances tense citrus with a fine, creamy mousse. Fresh bread and a salty mineral note sit underneath. A "vertical" line of acidity drives straight through the center, softened only by 1.5 g/L of dosage. It finishes long, saline, and precise.