
Champagne Vouette et Sorbée: Biodynamic Craftsmanship from Côte des Bar
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Vouette et Sorbée Blanc d'Argile Non millésimé
A Pioneer in Biodynamic Winemaking
Champagne Vouette et Sorbée, led by Bertrand Gautherot, stands as one of the pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in Champagne. Located in Buxières-sur-Arce, in the heart of the Côte des Bar, this estate is renowned for its commitment to organic farming and natural winemaking. Since 1998, Gautherot has cultivated his vineyards without synthetic chemicals, achieving Demeter certification and ensuring that every bottle is a true expression of terroir.
Distinctive Terroirs: Vouette and Sorbée
The estate takes its name from two distinctive vineyard parcels: Vouette, a south-facing slope on Kimmeridgian limestone, and Sorbée, located on higher-altitude Portlandian soils. These contrasting terroirs contribute to the remarkable minerality, tension, and complexity found in Vouette et Sorbée champagnes. The vines, averaging over 40 years old, are deeply rooted in the soil, allowing them to capture the purest essence of their environment.
Authentic and Expressive Cuvées
Each cuvée from Vouette et Sorbée is a testament to the estate’s commitment to purity and authenticity. The flagship cuvée, “Fidèle”, is a 100% Pinot Noir Blanc de Noirs, offering intense structure, depth, and a remarkable saline finish. The “Blanc d'Argile”, crafted from Chardonnay vines planted on clay-rich soils, delivers a sharp minerality and a vibrant, citrus-driven profile. Meanwhile, the “Saignée de Sorbée”, a rosé de saignée made exclusively from Pinot Noir, captivates with its rich aromatic intensity and deep, layered complexity.
Natural and Meticulous Winemaking
Gautherot follows a strict philosophy of minimal intervention, ensuring that each wine remains a pure reflection of its origin. All fermentations occur spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, and the wines are aged in used oak barrels to allow for gentle oxidation and enhanced depth. No chaptalization, no filtration, and no dosage are applied, preserving the wines' raw and natural character. This commitment results in champagnes of unparalleled authenticity, where each sip tells the story of its vineyard.
Global Recognition and Influence
Vouette et Sorbée has become a reference among wine enthusiasts and critics worldwide, thanks to its uncompromising approach to terroir-driven winemaking. The estate has inspired a new wave of growers in Champagne to embrace biodynamic farming and non-interventionist vinification. Today, Vouette et Sorbée champagnes can be found in the world’s top restaurants and wine cellars, prized for their vibrancy, depth, and distinctive character.