Selosse is among Champagne lovers a name that is passed on reverently; indeed for many the Champagnes of this house embody more cult than one of the world-famous names. Founded in 1964, the small, exclusive winery quickly grew into an insider tip.
Located in the small village of Avize, they own parcels in Grand Cru sites, planted with Chardonnay. 7.3 hectares comprise the property in the Cotes de Blanc, scattered over 50 parcels, all classified as Grand Cru. This is joined by another hectare of Pinot Noir in Ay.
Anselme Selosse has the best knowledge of both varieties, having studied in Burgundy. But the family does not see itself as wine or Champagne makers, but as servants of nature. Hardly any other house is so much in tune with what nature demands. And they do not shy away from unconventional approaches.
First and foremost, this means giving nature free rein and intervening as little as possible in the wine-making process. The base wines are allowed to mature in small, partly new oak barrels to give the Champagne even more finesse, character and complexity. Only a few bottles of Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs are produced, but then there is the "Substance", a precious, extremely rare, very special specialty.
For here, comparable to the Solera process for sherry, the longest stored wine is taken from the lowest row of barrels. From the top, the younger wine then undergoes ageing.
The resulting interplay of young and fresh aromas with grown-up ones is full of fascination. No wonder that the Champagnes of Selosse are in such demand that one has to fight for every bottle from this small production.
