Champagne Benoit-Cocteaux

Descended from families who have been Champagne growers and producers for a century and a half, the vivacious Helene and her thoughtful, articulate husband Benoit Cocteaux have been making distinctive and fascinating wines from their 17 hectare  estate south of La Cote de Blancs since 2003.  With hillside vineyards in the Coteaux de Sezannais and the Bar sur Aube as well as the Marne Valley spread over a range of 200km, they take advantage of the warmer climate (they are often the first village to harvest) to produce what they call “solar” Champagnes –comparatively  lush, ripe, round and fruity.

Members of the Independent Winemakers Confederation, they are committed to artisanal scale production and practice lutte raisonne, sustainable agriculture.  Their vineyards are fermented separately, so they can custom-blend, in temperature regulated stainless steel tanks.

 Wines produced

NV L’Alliance Brut
NV Or Blanc, Blanc de Blancs
NV Noir Expression, Blanc de Noirs
NV Rose d’Helene
2007 Seigneur Genod
Distributors:

Montana:  Eagle Beverage

NV Benoit Cocteaux, L’Alliance Brut

Chalk and limestone soils in the Coteaux Sezannais and Bar sur Aube

40 year old vines   hand harvested

55% Chardonnay   45% Pinot Noir

Blend of 2009, 2010, 2011   bottled 2012

Aged 3 years in bottle

7g/L dosage

Light golden color, aromas of white flowers, straw, fresh herbs

Fresh and fruity with a long, clean finish, good acid balance

 

benoit cocteauxNV Benoit Cocteaux, Or Blanc, Blanc de Blancs

Chalk soils in Montgenost  50 year old vines

Hand harvested

100% Chardonnay  blend of 3 years

3 years aged in bottle

Dosage  6g/L

Very distinctive style – rich ripe fruit with complex spice of cardamom, nutmeg

Long, clean finish

Defines the house style

 

NV Benoit Cocteaux, Noir Expression, Blanc de Noirs

Tuff and clay soil in Montgenost and Cerceuil 60 year old vines

30% Pinot Noir   70% Pinot Meunier

Only 2,500b made

Harvested by hand

Dosage 6g/L

Blend of 3 years    aged 2 years in bottle

Very expressive, fruity   blueberry, red currant

Some exotic notes of marzipan

 

 

NV Benoit Cocteaux,  Rose d’Helene

Chalk soil, 40 year old vines   harvested by hand

Vineyards in Montgenost and Verpilliers sur Ource

88% Chardonnay  12% Pinot Noir

Blend of 2009, 2010, 2012

Aged 2 years in bottle

Dosage 8g/L

Light salmon color

Lush red fruits, raspberry, anise notes

Clean, bright and fruity

 

 

2007 Benoit Cocteaux, Seigneur Genod

Chalk soils in Montgenost    60 year old vines

100% Chardonnay

Harvested by hand

Dosage 6g/L

Rich yellow color, toasty and rich with age

Hints of mushroom

Elegantly balanced

Opens and develops with air