September

Meet Agrapart Avize

They say what’s old is new again and that may not be more true anywhere in wine than with Fabrice Agrapart’s new project, Agrapart Avize.

If the name sounds familiar that is for a reason. Agrapart et Fils was founded in 1894 by Arthur Agrapart in the village of Avize. The tradition of crafting world class Chardonnay passed to his son Arthur in the 1950's, his son Pierre in the 1980's and then on to Pascal and Fabrice and has endured for over a century. Fabrice spent four decades as the force in the cellar crafting what is now recognized as one of the top growers in all of Champagne. 

In order to leave a legacy for the next generation, Pascal and Fabrice split in 2020 with Fabrice charting a new path forward with his highly ambitious project Agrapart Avize. His decades of hands on experience, knowledge of the land and grapes have led him to explore what can happen when you have the drive of a young man and the experience of a whole successful career. 

Fabrice is forward looking with an eye to sustainable practices in harmony with the vineyard cycles, staying laser focused on celebrating the terroir he has come to know through his work with the family domain. Along with his partners, Emmanuel and Johanna, Fabrice is building a new winery, hotel/ restaurant and a new legacy. This winery is a new beginning with 100 years of experience and tradition. His new legacy is being written brick by brick and on his own terms. 

Despite the newness of it all, Fabrice is one of the most celebrated winemakers in all of Champagne and we can't wait to see what's next. 

Read more about Agrapart Avize on Cage Imports. 

The Wine

Our first wine this month may look a bit familiar to some of you who have been here for a while. Agrapart Avize’s second vintage has just landed and they are introducing something that their family has NEVER done in their 132 year history of winemaking; Ameunia, a wine from Meunier. The house who has been synonymous with Chardonnay is branching out and wow what a debut! We have secretly been testing this wine in Champagne for a few years now and couldn’t be more excited that it is finally here. 

Get another bottle, or a magnum, of Agrapart Avize in our Shop.

Ameunia is Agrapart Avize's second vintage that and we're so excited about this bottle because it's something the family has never done in their 132-year history: a 100% Meunier champagne.  This house is so synonymous with Chardonnay, this an exciting debut.   Why we love it: Shh, we've been tasting this wine in Champagne for a few years and are so excited we finally have bottles to share! We get a fruit-forward nose  with strawberries, raspberries, red apple and pear with a chalky, minerality and a dry, clean finish.  The vibe: Cool autumn patio party with your Solo Stove burning with mushroom pizza.

Meet Petit Clergeot

A few hours south of the economic heart of the Champagne region lies the hamlet of Polisot. It is quiet, off the beaten path and visually stunning. The hills roll towards the river blanketed by vines. This is Petit Clergeot. 

Paul-Bastien took over from his father in 2017 and quickly converted to organic farming in all of his plots. He farms in Polisot, Les Riceys, Balnot-sur-Laignes and Montgueux and never uses synthetic herbicides or pesticides. His commitment to farming can be seen in everything he does. He uses pigs to turn his soil rather than tractors. The pigs eat organic produce grown by his grandmother and surrounding farms. He makes decisions based on what will not only benefit his vines but the land they are on and all the bugs, plants and animals that come in contact with it. 

In a short time he has made a name and reputation for himself. His champagnes are lively, energetic and delicate. You have the feeling that you have stumbled upon a secret you weren't supposed to know. The labels are bright and fun, the champagne is easy to drink and does not take itself too seriously. Do not mistake it though, this is a producer that is making some of the best champagne in all of the region.   

Read more about Petit Clergeot on Cage Imports.

The Wine

Paul-Bastien's wines are a constant experiment. The cuvees change year to year, the fermentation and aging could happen in stainless, amphora or any sized oak barrel. This spirit of experimentation has led to some of the most exciting bottles in the Aube, or Champagne, for that matter.  

Les Commes 2023 is 100% Pinot Noir, coming from a plot in the village of Polisot. The grapes come from a vineyard that was planted in 1971 that are nestled up in the shadows of the forest and ripen fully in the perfect spot on the slope.  Why we love it: The wine is lively, energetic and delicate. You have the feeling that you have stumbled upon a secret you weren't supposed to know. This champagne is easy to drink and does not take itself too seriously with bright red fruits like strawberries, red cherries and strawberries.    The vibe: Pack a few plastic tumbles, a blanket and a charcuterie board (with prosciutto, salami, white cheddar and Gouda) for a final picnic of the season.