Eric Rodez Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut

Eric Rodez Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut is a refined, grower-made Champagne crafted entirely from Chardonnay sourced in the heart of the Champagne region. This cuvée stands out for its remarkable depth and complexity, achieved through a meticulous blending of wines from multiple vintages and careful élevage in small oak barrels. It delivers the precision and chalky elegance you expect from top Blanc de Blancs, with an extra level of texture and character that makes it memorable.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Champagne shows a pale, luminous gold hue with fine, persistent bubbles that form a delicate mousse. The nose opens with classic Chardonnay notes of citrus zest and green apple, layered with hints of white flowers, chalk, and subtle brioche and hazelnut from the oak influence and extended aging on the lees. On the palate, it is both lively and structured, with a tense, mineral backbone reflecting its Champagne terroir. Expect flavors of lemon curd, crisp pear, and green plum, wrapped in a creamy texture and lifted by a precise, dry finish true to its Extra Brut style. The proportion of wines that do not undergo malolactic fermentation preserves a vibrant acidity and energy, giving the wine focus and length. This cuvée drinks beautifully on release but has the structure and freshness to evolve gracefully for several more years in the cellar, gaining additional complexity and depth.

Production
This Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut is crafted from 100% Chardonnay grown in the chalk-rich soils of the Champagne region, where the cool climate and limestone subsoil give the wines their hallmark tension and minerality. The cuvée is typically composed of 15 different base wines drawn from 5 to 6 distinct vintages, allowing Eric Rodez to build complexity through reserve wines and the nuances of different years. Around 70% of the wines are vinified in small oak barrels, adding subtle spice, texture, and breadth without overwhelming the purity of the fruit. Approximately 40% of the wines do not undergo malolactic fermentation, intentionally preserving bright acidity and freshness. After blending, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle and extended aging on its lees before being disgorged with a low dosage in line with its Extra Brut style.

Food & Serving
This Champagne is a natural partner for refined seafood and delicate dishes that highlight its precision and minerality. Serve it alongside oysters, scallop carpaccio, sushi and sashimi, or a simple tartare of sea bass or turbot; it also shines with goat cheese, lightly aged hard cheeses, and elegant vegetable dishes such as asparagus or artichoke risotto. For optimal enjoyment, serve well chilled at 8–10°C (46–50°F). A brief 10–15 minutes in a decanter or in the glass allows the wine to open up and reveal its full aromatic range, especially the more subtle floral, nutty, and pastry notes.

Producer
Eric Rodez is a respected grower-producer in Champagne, known for crafting characterful, terroir-driven wines from his family holdings rather than purchasing grapes on the open market. Based in some of the region’s finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sites, Rodez has built a reputation for meticulous vineyard work, thoughtful blending of multiple vintages, and a sensitive use of oak to enrich texture while maintaining precision. The estate is often praised for its commitment to expressing the nuances of Champagne’s chalky soils and its sustainable, quality-focused approach, making Eric Rodez one of the standout names for those seeking artisanal, authentic Champagnes with real personality.