Pascal Doquet’s Vertus Coeur de Terroir Brut 2009 is a rare, long-aged Grower Champagne created to express the finest mid-slope vineyards of Vertus. It was the first wine conceived for Doquet’s Coeur de Terroir series, a collection devoted to individual villages, historic parcels and the distinctive character of their soils.
The fruit comes from Pascal’s best Premier Cru sites in Vertus, including Barrilliers, Nuisats, Vieille Voie, Corvées, Grange au Bar, Les Grues and La Barre. These vineyards are rooted in Cretaceous chalk and clay, soils that give the wine both mineral definition and a broader, more generous texture than the sharply linear Champagnes of nearby Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The vineyards are certified organic by Ecocert.
The 2009 blend is composed of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. The Pinot Noir comes from La Barre and contributes structure, depth and a subtle red-fruit character, while the Chardonnay provides freshness, chalky tension and length. The wine was vinified and matured for approximately 11 months in neutral oak barrels, allowing gradual oxygen exposure and textural development without introducing strong new-oak flavors. Full malolactic fermentation further rounds the acidity and contributes to its creamy, vinous character.
After bottling, the Champagne spent an exceptional 12 years aging sur latte before disgorgement. This prolonged contact with the lees developed considerable complexity, richness and fine texture while preserving the mineral energy of the Vertus terroir. It was finished with a very low dosage of approximately 2 grams per liter of MCR, placing it stylistically near Extra-Brut despite the Brut designation.
In the glass, it is full-bodied and deeply layered, with a fine, persistent mousse. Aromas of ripe apple, preserved lemon and pear are joined by toasted brioche, hazelnut, dried flowers and subtle red-fruit notes. With air, more mature tones of pastry, warm spice, chalk and savory lees emerge. The palate is broad and creamy, balanced by bright acidity and a firm mineral core. The finish is long, dry and saline, with lingering notes of citrus, orchard fruit, toast and chalk.
This is a gastronomic Champagne with the depth and maturity to accompany a full meal. It pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, veal, lobster, scallops, mushroom dishes, truffle risotto, creamy sauces, aged Comté, Gruyère or mature goat cheese. Serve it in a white-wine glass rather than a narrow flute to fully appreciate its developed aromas and layered texture.
Grapes: 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Appellation: Côte des Blancs
Village: Vertus
Classification: Premier Cru
Vintage: 2009
Vineyards: Barrilliers, Nuisats, Vieille Voie, Corvées, Grange au Bar, Les Grues and La Barre
Soils: Cretaceous chalk and clay
Farming: Certified organic by Ecocert
Vinification: Neutral oak barrels
Élevage: Approximately 11 months in neutral oak
Lees Aging: 12 years sur latte
Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
Dosage: 2 g/L MCR
Alcohol: 12.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Style: Vintage Premier Cru Champagne; full-bodied, leesy and mineral-driven
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