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
NV 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