Orpale Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2012 – Champagne De Saint-Gall.
Recently we received a beautiful bottle of Champagne that holds a captivating story, which we are happy to share with you. In this review a Grand Cru Champagne, the 2012 Orpale Blanc des Blancs by Champagne De Saint-Gall.
About the Winery, Region and Grape
Champagne De Saint-Gall is a collective passion born out of the collaboration of 15 wine cooperatives in the Champagne region: The Union Champagne, founded in 1966 by a group of Grand Cru and Premier Cru grape growers. Since 1966 more than 2,000 grape growers have joined, collectively cultivating 1,470 hectares of vineyards. The Grand Cru Classification, the highest distinction in the Champagne region, adorns only 17 municipalities, including Cramant, Avize, Oger, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, where the grapes for Orpale originate from. All four municipalities can be found in the Côte des Blancs, a sub-region of Champagne, south of Épernay.
The Côte des Blancs is renowned worldwide for its mastery in crafting Chardonnay-dominant Champagnes, celebrated for their elegance and finesse. With its chalk-rich soil ensuring excellent water drainage and preventing excess moisture around the vine roots, this region stands out.
Chardonnay reigns supreme here, thanks to its high acidity that imparts elegance, lightness, and refinement to Champagne. Blanc de Blancs Champagne, composed entirely of Chardonnay, makes for an exceptional aperitif. While Chardonnay is also cultivated in the Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, and Aube regions, the Côte des Blancs remains its original home.
About the Wine
What sets ‘Orpale’ apart? This Blanc de Blancs Champagne is exclusively crafted from Chardonnay grapes, resulting in a fresh, fruity, and elegant character. Its uniqueness lies in the individuality of each terroir, with cooperatives vinifying their grapes, which are then expertly blended in Avize under the watchful eye of the cellar master. This skillful approach produces a diverse palette of wines, like Orpale, each boasting its distinctive profile and style.
While sparkling wines typically don’t age well, this vintage Champagne defies expectations. Orpale presents a captivating golden hue adorned with delicate, refined bubbles. Its aroma entices with hints of passion fruit, lime, roasted almonds, and a subtle savory note. On the palate, vibrant lime zest takes center stage, with nutty flavors lingering gracefully. With a modest alcohol content of 12.5%, Orpale is a complex and accomplished wine that promises a sensory delight.
Conclusion
This Champagne is the result of a collaboration among skilled artisans, yet it exudes the essence of a personal masterpiece, where meticulous attention and boundless passion infuse even the tiniest details. It transcends being a mere beverage; it is an immersive experience that envelops you in warmth and an enchanting atmosphere. With every sip, it captivates your senses and beckons you to introspection. Each encounter with this mesmerizing creation reveals fresh facets, as if the wine is narrating a story, and with each stage, you forge a deeper connection, enhancing the bond between you and the wine.
We award this top-class Champagne with a 93-point DWA score.
This wine is reviewed by our own Bo van Damme. Champagne De Saint-Gall is imported in the Netherlands by Gall & Gall, and available through their retail and online sales channel.
Price: €89,00
Taste date: December 2023
Score: 93/100 DWA Score
Website: Gall & Gall