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Uutiset
The NV (2011) Extra Brut L’Amateur, Léclapart’s entry-level wine, is soft and nicely textured throughout. Almonds, lemon oil, white flowers and mint take shape in the glass. Overall, the Amateur is a pretty wine, although it could use a little more continuity through the mid-palate and finish. A slight vegetal note typical of 2011 appears with time in the glass, but it is not overly dominant. In fact, the 2011 just gets better and better with air. L’Amateur is the only Léclapart cuvée done in tank. Disgorged January 2015.
Viinin Kuvailu
The Story
L’Amateur serves as an introduction to the personality of David’s wines. It is made from 100% Chardonnay, blended from five different parcels in Trépail, and is vinified only in enameled vat with no dosage. L’Amateur has a distinctive clarity and energy that comes from a core of acidity combined with crisp citrus and apple fruit.
Wine Information
David Léclapart is a fourth-generation Champagne house located in the premier cru village of Trépail in the Montagne de Reims. When his father passed away in 1996 and his mother asked him to take over the estate, he agreed to do so only on the condition that he would be able to farm biodynamically. Since the 2000 vintage the estate has been certified biodynamic by both Ecocert and Demeter. David himself biodynamically farms his three hectares of land divided among 20 parcels, guided by the principles of purity, energy, pleasure and ecology.
He believes the creative forces behind biodynamics (water, earth, wind, and fire) work in perfect accordance with his four principles to show how nature expresses itself through Champagne. These practices are continued in the cellar, where there is minimal intervention. Dedicated to transmitting the individual characteristics of each vintage and vineyard into his wines, David does not use any reserve wines, and all of his wines are no dosage.
Vuosikerta 2014
This year was all about alternating weather patterns. A particularly wet winter gave way to a warm and dry spring. May saw some rain, and even though late June-brought about a minor heatwave, the remainder of the summer was moist and murky. Disease pressure was lifted but once again fine, hot September weather was able to save and concentrate the crop. A large crop (11,553 kg/ha) was picked from September 8th onwards. The year's biggest problem was the sour rot caused by the drosophila suzukii flies. It, and the challenging weather, demanded plenty of care and selection work in the vineyards. The results are variable. The year was especially demanding for Pinot Meunier from the Vallée de la Marne, which received a lot of rainfall and was troubled by both mildew and sour rot. With an average potential alcohol of 10.0% and total acidity of 8.3 g/l, 2014 looks good on paper and so too in the glass, despite its challenges. The successful wines come with attractive fruit, lovely vibrant acidity and an overt easiness to them.
