A remarkable Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from the celebrated chalk soils of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Diapason is a precise, mineral-driven expression of Chardonnay from one of the Côte des Blancs’ most prestigious villages.
The ripe 2015 harvest forms the base of the cuvée, complemented by reserve wines maintained through a perpetual reserve system. The fruit comes from old Chardonnay vines rooted deeply in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger’s Cretaceous chalk, including parcels planted as far back as the 1920s. These exceptionally chalky soils give the Champagne its signature tension, salinity, and finely etched mineral character.
Pascal Doquet has farmed organically for many years and has been certified organic by Ecocert since 2010. The grapes are harvested by hand and fermented with indigenous yeasts. Approximately half of the wine is vinified in neutral oak barrels, while the remainder is fermented in enamel-lined tanks, preserving freshness while adding subtle texture and complexity. Malolactic fermentation is completed, and the Champagne spends an extended period aging on its lees before disgorgement. A restrained dosage of approximately 3.5 grams per liter maintains balance while allowing the purity of the fruit and terroir to remain at the forefront.
The bouquet opens with vibrant aromas of lemon peel, Asian pear, gooseberry, white flowers, and passion fruit, followed by deeper notes of pastry dough, toasted almond, dried apricot, and chalk. On the palate, the wine is concentrated yet beautifully controlled, with a creamy, finely textured mousse supported by bright acidity and a firm mineral structure. Flavors of citrus, nectarine, pear, ginger, and salted almond develop across the palate, leading to a long, precise, and distinctly saline finish.
Powerful enough to accompany a meal yet refined enough to serve as an aperitif, this is a compelling expression of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger—combining the richness of the 2015 base vintage with the freshness, chalky tension, and impressive length for which the village is renowned.
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Classification: Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs
Appellation: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne
Base Vintage: 2015
Farming: Certified Organic by Ecocert
Soil: Cretaceous chalk
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in enamel-lined tanks and neutral oak barrels
Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
Dosage: Approximately 3.5 g/L
Bottle Size: 750ml
Food Pairings: Oysters, lobster, scallops, caviar, grilled white fish, sushi, roast chicken, creamy cheeses, or aged Comté.
Serving Recommendation: Serve well chilled at approximately 46–50°F in a white-wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass to allow its complexity and mineral depth to develop.
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