Herve Rafflin - Champagne 'Nature'l' Extra Brut NV (750ml)

  $37.00

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Producer	Herve Rafflin
Country	France
Region	Champagne
Varietal	Pinot Noir,  Chardonnay,  Pinot Meunier
Size	750ml

Hervé Rafflin took over his small family winery back in 2001, though his family’s regional roots date back to 1840. The estate’s 5 hectares are situated in the heart of the Montagne de Reims in Chigny-les-Roses, just 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Reims. The winery has remained within the family’s possession for over 180 years, passed down generationally for nearly two centuries.

Rafflin’s five hectares are dedicated mostly to Pinot Meunier (80%) and are rounded out with small amounts of Chardonnay (15%) and Pinot Noir (5%). Vines average 30 years in age and are in the process of being converted to organic viticulture. The estate puts out anywhere from 5,000 to 13,000 bottles annually, depending on what the vintage provides. At Rafflin, nature dictates business, not demand.

Location: Ludes, Chigny-les-Roses, Rilly la Montagne, Taissy - Montagne de Reims, Champagne Appellation: 1er Cru

Varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier.
Vine Age: 30 years (average).
Soil Type: Clay, green marl, chalk and Bartonian/Ludian limestone (between 41 and 38 million years old).

Organic: Yes (practicing).

Vinification: Fruit is traditionally vinfied and aged eight months in steel followed by secondary fermentation in bottle, with dosage limited to 1.8 grams of sugar/liter.

Tasting Notes: This vivacious and insanely refreshing wine is characterized by notes of citrus, white flowers and baked bread. The juice’s bright, salivating acidity leads to a long-lasting finish. The wine pairs perfectly with fresh cheeses, buttered popcorn and raw bar favorites. ‘La Nature’L’ is the leading cuvée at Rafflin and is the most widely produced/sold bottling at the estate.