Defined by its growing season but revealed after a decade ageing, Amour de Deutz 2013 shows that good things come to those who wait. If there is a defining feature of the Amour de Deutz 2013, it is waiting. Champagne is always a process of waiting – after all, the bottles can only achieve their characteristic style with extended ageing – but it is especially pronounced in the cuvée. From the vineyards to the season to the winemaking, the 2013 vintage has only revealed itself with time. In some aspects, the waiting has taken millions of years. Most of the Chardonnay in the blanc de blancs blend is sourced from the Côte des Blancs. In this sub-region of Champagne, ancient chalk appears both as layers beneath the topsoil and rocky outcrops, offering characteristic minerality and finesse. Waiting patiently also established the prestige of these vineyards. The blend is largely sourced from the grand cru villages of Avize, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, the latter two of which waited 70 years for promotion to the upper echelon of Champagne villages. The Chardonnays from those villages, characterised by salinity and minerality, are balanced by a selection from Trépail and Villers-Marmery, in the east of the Montagne de Reims. Their richer character is described by locals as akin to Pinot Noir. Turning to the current release of Amour de Deutz, the 2013 growing season itself was defined by waiting. A long winter and cool spring delayed flowering, and therefore the entire season was
This Article was originally published on The Drink Business - Fine Wine
