Champagne Nature 'Ballade of the Villages' Charles Dufour 2004

Champagne 'Ballade of the Villages' Brut Nature from vigneron Charles Dufour is a vintage Champagne with deep charm, the result of a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc grown in the Aube area. It is a label made "by four hands" in that the vinification of the sparkling wine base and the draught were carried out by Robert Dufour, Charles's father, while after 17 long years on the lees it was Charles himself who performed the degorgement and subsequent non-dosage as Brut Nature.

The 'Ballade of the Villages' Champagne Brut Nature Charles Dufour comes from a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc grapes from different villages in the Côte des Bar. Specifically, the Pinot Noir comes from the communes of Landreville, Chervey and Neuville-sur-Seine while the Pinot Blanc from lieu-dit 'Le Champ du Clos' in the village of Celles-sur-Ouce. In the winery, the grapes are vinified through soft pressing and subsequent spontaneous alcoholic fermentation of the must in oak barrels. After a few months of rest, the sparkling wine base is then bottled with the addition of liqueur d'expedition for refermentation according to the Champenoise Method, associated with over 200 months of aging on the lees in the bottle. The process ends with degorgement and the subsequent topping up of the bottles with the same wine, thus without any dosage.

Charles Dufour's Brut Nature 'Ballade of the Villages' Champagne is immediately striking with its bright golden yellow color and elegant perlage. The aromatic bouquet evokes complex aromas of tropical fruits, flowers, honey and dried fruits, enriched by boisé hints and nearly marine mineral hints. The palate is broad and creamy, fresh and flavorful, with a deep progression of long flavor persistence.