Champagne "Sténopé" Veuve A. Devaux, Côtes des Bar, FR, 2013

The initial aroma conveys a touch of the austere, recalling the freshness of the 2008 season. Chocolate and toasted notes follow, a reminder the specific vinification method reserved for Sténopé. Finally, intense notes of candied peel and spice appear and dissipate. This remarkable aromatic depth demonstrates the complexity of this vintage.

On the palate, it is smooth yet pure, and leads to a long citrusy finish, with notes of bergamot. The first fermentation, which occurs mostly in barrel, ensures a creamy texture with notes of praline and toast.