Agrapart Champagne 7 Crus Extra Brut NV

Champagne Agrapart is a family owned estate established in 1894 by Arthur Agrapart in Avize, in the heart of Champagne’s Côte des Blancs. The domaine expanded under Arthur’s grandson Pierre before Pascal Agrapart took over in the 1980s, refining the estate’s approach to farming and winemaking. Today, Pascal works alongside his son Ambroise, producing terroir driven Champagne exclusively from estate grown fruit. The family farms approximately 12 hectares, primarily planted with chardonnay across the Côte des Blancs, with an emphasis on expressing the individual character of its vineyards.

Agrapart’s farming philosophy emphasizes healthy, biologically active soils and deep vine root systems. The vineyards are cultivated through regular plowing, including the use of horses in certain parcels, and enriched with locally sourced compost. The family avoids chemical herbicides and employs organic inspired practices without formal certification. Grapes are harvested by hand, with individual parcels vinified separately using indigenous yeasts. The wines are neither fined nor filtered, preserving the distinctive character of the estate’s chalk rich vineyards.

7 Crus is Agrapart’s introductory cuvée, named for the seven villages from which its grapes are sourced, including the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Cramant, Oger and Oiry. Unlike the estate’s Blanc de Blancs bottlings, it is a blend of 90% chardonnay and 10% pinot noir, combining wines from two consecutive harvests. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts, followed by élevage in stainless steel and large, previously used oak barrels, typically 600 liter demi muids. The reserve wine is aged in neutral oak, contributing texture and complexity without pronounced wood flavors. Following the second fermentation in bottle, the Champagne spends approximately two to three years aging on its lees before disgorgement. Finished in an Extra Brut style, with a low dosage of up to 5 grams per liter, 7 Crus balances the freshness of chardonnay with the additional body and roundness contributed by pinot noir.

The wine opens with aromas of green apple, ripe pear, citrus zest and white flowers, accompanied by subtle notes of toasted brioche and almonds. On the palate, it combines a fine, creamy mousse with lively acidity, orchard fruit and a distinctive chalky, saline character. The extended lees aging lends depth and a gentle richness, while the finish remains fresh, precise and mineral driven.