Champagne Chassenay d’Arce presents its new Sélection Blanche cuvée, along a Ratafia Champenois and a collaboration with William Arlotti

The winegrowers’ Chassenay d’Arce cooperative house has recently unveiled its new Sélection Blanche vintage, a Blanc de Blancscuvée that joins the Les Essentielles range. This launch marks a new step in the house’s quest for excellence, which highlights a harmonious blend of chardonnay and pinot blanc, two emblematic grape varieties of the Champagne terroir. The introduction of Sélection Blanche demonstrates Chassenay d’Arce’s desire to combine innovation and respect for Champagne traditions. Let’s also taste here the difference, along their brand new Ratafia Champenois digestive spirit. With these new vintages and its eco-responsible initiatives, Chassenay d’Arce continues to assert its role as a reference in the Champagne wine landscape, combining traditional know-how and modern innovations. By AP

Founded in 1956, the Chassenay d’Arce winehouse now brings together 130 families of winegrowers, working 315 hectares of vineyards, spread over 14 villages. Recognized for its vintages present in France and internationally, the house also makes a point of promoting environmentally friendly practices. Currently, 7.7 hectares of its vines are certified organic. In addition, 71% of the farms are labeled Vignerons Engagés, a label that reflects an ethical and responsible approach. In addition, 51% of the surfaces are HVE (High Environmental Value) certified, while 41% follow the sustainable viticulture in Champagne (VDC) standard (photo credits: AP). 

Since the end of 2023, the Chassenay d’Arce has adopted new eco-design initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint. This includes the removal of collars and the reduction of caps, in favor of a more refined bottle design. In addition, all bottles are now delivered in 100% recycled kraft cardboard boxes, printed with water-based inks, and using a single interlayer to reduce the amount of waste. The winehouse has also decided to no longer use cases for its bottles, except for the Confidentielles vintages, which keep their recyclable mono-material boxes, intended to mark the exclusivity and excellence of these products (photo credits: Chassenay d’Arce).

This new design is also the case of the originality of Sélection Blanche mostly lies in the subtle blend of two very distinct grape varieties, featuring chardonnay, at 90%, brings its freshness and delicacy, while the pinot blanc, representing 10% of its composition, contributing a unique aromatic complexity. This marriage of those two complementary grape varieties reveals a wine that is both lively and structured, where each element finds its balance. This Blanc de Blancs is vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, in accordance with the Champagne tradition, and benefits from two years of aging on lees, in bottles. 

This method allows for the development of a fine and creamy texture, while preserving the integrity of the aromas. On tasting, Sélection Blanche immediately charms with its rich nose, full of aromas of ripe white fruits, such as peach and apricot, accompanied by light citrus notes that give a dynamic freshness. On the palate, the chardonnay is evident in its finesse and minerality, while its pinot blanc brings a rounder structure and additional depth. The aromas of yellow fruits harmoniously blend with floral touches, creating a mouthfeel that is both enveloping and silky. The finish, marked by an iodized note, reinforces the impression of purity and liveliness.

This champagne goes perfectly with dishes, such as seafood or even seasonal salads, thus highlighting its gastronomic versatility. Lovers of elegant and well-structured champagnes would also appreciate this cuvée, available from November 1st 2024, at a price of 31 euros.

In addition to its Chassenay d’Arce champagnes also offers another emblematic product of the region, named Ratafia Champenois. This sweet wine, made from grape must, is a real treasure for lovers of refined liqueurs. Its production is based on a meticulous process of mutage, followed by aging in specific oak barrels, called cigar barrels. These barrels, made from oak from the Cunfin forest in the Aube department, are renowned for the finesse of their grain. The wood, heated to varying temperatures, gradually releases subtle and elegant aromas. The Ratafia Champenois by Chassenay d’Arce is composed of 86% from pinot noir, 10% from chardonnay and 4% from pinot blanc, which gives it a unique aromatic and savorful richness.

This elixir can be either enjoyed as an aperitif, accompanied by foie gras toasts, or at the end of a meal with a platter of cooked cheeses or a bitter chocolate dessert. Its ideal serving temperature is between 6 and 10°C, and it is best enjoyed in a cognac or brandy glass, thus giving it full finesse and elegance. As you can see, Romain Aubriot, the house’s cellar master, demonstrates his attachment to family tradition through this product. He explains that his love for ratafia comes from his childhood memories, when he watched his grandfather and father prepare it.

Available in 70 cl bottles, it should be stored in a cool environment and away from light to preserve all its assets. 

Champagne Chassenay d’Arce, 11 Rue du Pressoir, 10110 Ville-sur-Arce (France) / Phone : 00 33 (0)3 25 38 30 70. More details on their official website.