Stroebel Heraclite Brut Nature 2018

Stroebel Heraclite Brut Nature 2018

Stroebel
$95.00

Grape: Pinot Meunier
Vintage: 2018
Type: Sparkling

This single-varietal grower Champagne is made from old pinot meunier vines planted over fifty years ago in clay soils. Winemaker Timothée Stroebel implements organic farming methods and a low-intervention approach in his Montagne de Reims vineyards. The fruit undergoes a spontaneous native fermentation and ages entirely in large seasoned wooden barrels, allowing a slight oxidative character to develop. The liquid matures for thirty-six months on its fine lees before being finished as a Brut Nature with zero added sugar.

It displays a glowing straw-gold color with a fine mousse, releasing a complex bouquet of baked apples, brioche, and toasted nuts. A medium-to-full-bodied frame pairs a broad, texturally rich mouthfeel with a sharp line of alpine acidity. Savory flavors of orchard fruits and bread dough dominate the core without introducing dominant wood spices. A chiseled mineral undertone cuts right through the richness, maintaining great balance and fresh poise.

Timothée’s family came from Alsace and settled in Champagne after the Second World War. Vineyards were planted in the early 60’s in Villers Allerand, a small 1er cru village tucked in Montagne de Reims, where they still farm today.

Two generations later, Timothée had the dream to produce his own Champagne from the plots planted by his grandfather. After studying wine in Beaune and working in Burgundy, Timothée slowly got back the plots that were divided between the family members. 

Installation was done in steps: 2001 the vineyards; 2005 the first wines were produced. The domain encompasses the three known Champagne varieties: Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 

From the vintage 2018, all the wines are barrel aged, and he is working towards bigger size barrels starting from 400L. The alcoholic and malolactic fermentation happens naturally, wines are not cold stabilized and there is no dosage nor filtration.