Francoise Bedel
Domaine Françoise Bedel, a true leader in biodynamic viticulture in Champagne, has been passionately practicing this methodology since 1998. Their highly distinctive Champagnes hold a revered place among Champagne enthusiasts, capturing hearts with their unique character.
Certified in 2006, the estate, spanning a modest 8.4 hectares in the Vallée de la Marne, is predominantly planted with magnificent old vines of Pinot Meunier, averaging around 50 years in age. These treasured vines are the secret behind the creation of their truly remarkable Champagnes, which have been compared to the finesse of Burgundies by the esteemed Stephan Reinhardt.
In their pursuit of excellence, the winery also embraces the art of extended lees aging. Sparing no expense in terms of time and storage costs, they age their Champagnes in the estate's cellar and defy the convention, releasing their wines only when the Champagnes are ready to be enjoyed
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(6x75cl) 2008$868.00 -
Vinous (92)
Light, bright yellow. Pungent, highly aromatic bouquet evokes peach nectar, poached pear, vanilla and honeysuckle. Deeply pitched orchard and pit fruit flavors show very good intensity and lift, picking up spiciness with air. Finishes on a suave floral note, with impressive focus and length.$121.00 -
(6x75cl) NVWine Advocate (93)
Exhibit A in the case for Bedel and her obscure terroir must be a NV Brut Entre Ciel et Terre, which places Meunier in something more like its usual supporting role, letting Chardonnay and Pinot step forward. Jasmine, green tea, lime, grapefruit, and white currant inform a brightly penetrating yet subtly perfumed nose, whose elements are joined on a palpably lees-enriched yet vivacious and consummately refreshing palate by nut oils, smoky toasted grain and saliva-liberating salinity. A subtle sense of textural oiliness reinforces the nut and citrus oil aspects but without deflecting any of this wine’s effusive juiciness or dimming the invigorating tang incorporated in a mouthwateringly long finish tinged with iodine. I suspect this will merit following for at least another 4-5 years.$386.00 -
(6x75cl) NVWine Advocate (91)
Based on 75% Pinot Meunier, 15% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Noir (30- to 60-year-old vines, mainly picked in 2011), the NV Origin'elle is a pretty good representative of both the plantings on the biodynamically farmed 8.4 hectares; these vineyards are located in the most western part of the Marne valley. The wine is made in the special style of Françoise Bedel and her son Vincent, whose wines are kept on the lees for almost one year (in this case in enameled tanks). Straw-golden in color and clear and aromatic on the intense and pretty rich nose, this is a full and round, yet delicate and silky textured fizz. It has a long and aromatic finish. Although the wine seems to be rich and fat at first, it is in fact full-flavored but pure and finesse-full. The finish is clear and fresh, and reveals a nice mineral grip. This is an excellent Champagne as an aperitif, but also with food.$359.00 -
Wine Advocate (91)
Based on 75% Pinot Meunier, 15% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Noir (30- to 60-year-old vines, mainly picked in 2011), the NV Origin'elle is a pretty good representative of both the plantings on the biodynamically farmed 8.4 hectares; these vineyards are located in the most western part of the Marne valley. The wine is made in the special style of Françoise Bedel and her son Vincent, whose wines are kept on the lees for almost one year (in this case in enameled tanks). Straw-golden in color and clear and aromatic on the intense and pretty rich nose, this is a full and round, yet delicate and silky textured fizz. It has a long and aromatic finish. Although the wine seems to be rich and fat at first, it is in fact full-flavored but pure and finesse-full. The finish is clear and fresh, and reveals a nice mineral grip. This is an excellent Champagne as an aperitif, but also with food.$114.00 -
$981.00
