Françoise Bedel L'Âme de la Terre Millésime 2008
- Region
- France » Champagne » Champagne AOC
- Type
- white traditional sparkling, extra dry
- Producer
- Vintage
- 2008
- Disgorged
- 2023-06
- On lees
- 168
- Grapes
- Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier
- Alcohol
- 12.5
- Sugar
- 13
- Volume
- 750 mL
- Cellar
- not available
Ratings
I'm torn. On one hand, the style is unmistakable - very much Bedel. But on the other, previous releases struck me as more compelling. I'm not at all opposed to higher dosage - in fact, here it's beautifully integrated and never feels out of place. But the wine hasn't developed the depth or power I've come to associate with Bedel's best work. Maybe it's me, maybe it's the evening, but I felt a bit let down.
That said - it is a gorgeous wine. Sweet candy notes, a bit of sea breeze, chalk and subtle honey touch. Intense, powerful, and impressively balanced despite the sugar. It's like an easter bread in wine form - in the best way.
About Producer
Françoise Bedel stands out not only for her remarkable journey into winemaking but also for her unique approach to viticulture and winemaking. Hailing from the village of Crouttes-sur-Marne, located on the western edge of Champagne, Bedel's estate is a testament to her dedication and passion for winemaking. Her journey into biodynamic winemaking, inspired by her personal experiences and a deep reverence for nature, has set her apart in a region celebrated for its long-standing conventional vinegrowing and winemaking traditions.
The 8-hectare estate, cultivated with vines aged between 30 and 60 years, reflects Bedel's commitment to biodynamic practices since 1998. This approach, centred around the interplay between soil, subsoil, and the vine's root system, allows for the fullest expression of the terroir in her grapes. The unique bio-dynamic compost used in the vineyards, containing preparations made from yarrow, chamomile, nettle, oak bark, dandelion, and valerian, is a testament to her dedication to fostering a harmonious relationship between the vineyard and its natural environment.
Located in the Marne Valley, known for its quality Pinot Meunier grapes, Bedel's estate predominantly focuses on this variety, along with smaller plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Her Champagnes, often aged for more than six years on the lees, are renowned for their depth and complexity. This extended lees ageing, combined with low or zero dosage, results in Champagnes with significant weight, heft, and lingering acidity.