One could view the purchase of multiple plots of vineyards within Avize that had been ravaged by the phylloxera crisis in the early 20th century as a little reckless, but another now in retrospect would call it visionary. Perhaps sometimes, for greatness to bloom, you need that first little dash of madness to see reason where others see ruin. It is that very conviction and commitment to the land that laid the foundations and continues to burn bright for Champagne Franck Bonville; a wonderful grower house we've long been close admirers of. Today, fourth and fifth generation minds come together as Olivier Bonville handles the winemaking through his mosaic of plots that weave through incredibly enviable Grand Cru Chardonnay terroir (77 individual plots spread over 15 hectares in the Côte des Blancs), while his son Ferdinand manages all sales and marketing. Through sustainable vineyard practice, old vine preservation and the heavy influence of the chalky soils, these are bubbles that sing on the side of freshness and finesse, with light floral aromas and crystalline texture.
No better is the chance to delve deep into their signature style than with these very limited availability trio packs, each bottle representing the purest expression of each separate terroir, on special for Champagne Mondaythis week! This release illustrating the generosity of the 2018 season, the trilogy includes the Pur Avize Grand Cru (racy and mineral, with fresh kicks of citrus and salty phenolics, holding 1.7g/L dosage), the Pur Mesnil Grand Cru (richer and more perfumed, with a balance of tropicals and roasted nuts, with 5.8g/L) and the Pur Oger Grand Cru (the fullest and most muscular of the three, with sweet red apples, orange blossom and creamy malolactic hints of biscuit and pastry, dosage coming in at 2.5g/L). Making one's way through the trilogy is an exercise both enjoyable and enlightening, particularly with that more forward 2018 structure, and we've managed to grab hold of the very last of these sets available in the country! We hope those of you who, like us, have their eyes ever fixed on the output of this wonderful family team can give them a good home.
Olivier & Ferdinand Bonville, the father-son duo that propel this proud grower house forward in the modern age. "The Bonville style is based on freshness, racy acidity and compelling vivacity," says Olivier. ‘I want to make Champagnes in a style that I personally like, in which the wines express what I like to describe as a 'shimmering harmony' on the palate."
Franck Bonville Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Terroir Trilogy 2018
$570 on special this week ($630 RRP)
(Very limited availability)
"The trilogy of Pur Avize, Pur Oger, and Pur Mesnil highlights the unique characteristics of three villages where our vineyards are located. For each village, we selected specific parcels that, in our view, best represent the essence of the cru. This approach reflects our deep understanding of these villages. Through this trilogy, we also aim to showcase the diversity of the Côte des Blancs terroir, which is often underestimated. For the second fermentation and aging on lees, we opted for cork closures to enhance the wine’s expression." - House Notes
This trilogy pack includes:
Pur Avize Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2018
// Disgorged Nov 2024 (1.7g/L dosage)
Plot selection from the middle of the slope, 'the heart of the terroir'. Areas: Les Avats, Les Chapelles, Les Maladries
"The 2018 Blanc de Blancs Pur Avize rises from the glass with aromas of orange peel, pear and pomelo mingled with brioche. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, muscular and demonstrative, with a rich core of fruit, ripe yet racy acids and a long, saline finish with a phenolic grip. This is a gourmand rendition that underscores the imprint of an extreme, abundant growing season." - Kristaps Karklins, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Pur Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2018
// Disgorged Nov 2024 (5.8g/L dosage)
Selection of plots at the foot of the hillside of the Le Mesnil-sur-Oger terroir. Areas: Les Coullemets, Les Zalieux, Le Tilleul, Les Hautes Mottes.
"The 2018 Blanc de Blancs Pur Mesnil soars from the glass with aromas of lemon oil, lychee and dried flowers. It is followed by a medium- to full-bodied and rich yet vibrant palate that is defined by a generous core of fruit, ripe but lively acids and a persistent finish. This is a broader-shouldered expression of Le Mesnil, but everything here is relative, as this remains the tautest of the three wines in Bonville’s Pur series." - Kristaps Karklins, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Pur Oger Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2018
// Disgorged Nov 2024 (2.5g/L dosage)
Plots spread across the terroir of Oger. Areas: Les Noyerots (bas de coteau), les Rumigny (milieu de coteau)
"The 2018 Blanc de Blancs Pur Oger emerges from the glass with aromas of orange peel, ripe pear and brioche mingled with quince. It is followed by a medium- to full-bodied and muscular palate, offering a rich core of fruit, succulent yet vibrant acids and an enveloping finish marked by aromatic bitters. Despite its vinification in stainless steel, it is the broadest-shouldered and most powerful of the three wines in the series." - Kristaps Karklins, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
If you wish to purchase this champagne set, please use the link above
The bottles are not available for individual purchase
If you have any questions, please contact us on (07)32521117 or email sales@thewineemporium.com.au
// Special price valid until Monday the 15th of June