Dis, "Vin Secret" (d2021) - NV
Françoise Bedel
- Region
- France » Champagne AOC » Vallée de la Marne
- Type
- white traditional sparkling, brut
- Producer
- Françoise Bedel
- Vintage
- NV, based on 2017
- Disgorged
- 2021-04
- On lees
- 36 months
- Grapes
- Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir
- Alcohol
- 12.5
- Volume
- 750 mL
- Cellar
- not available
- Find at
Ratings
Discovering a new label from a beloved winery can be an exciting experience, and it seems that the Secret Wine, courtesy of Elvira, didn't disappoint!
The wine greets you with an intense and beautiful bouquet, a delightful blend of baked apple and fried sunflower seeds, enriched with the sweetness of caramelized lemon. Earthy notes of chalk, lime (not fruit), a damp cellar, and mushrooms add to its complexity. On the palate, the wine demonstrates its intensity with good acidity and balance, along with a persistent finish. It's almost perfectly balanced, striking a harmonious chord between intensity and subtlety.
This particular bottle, while less intense than older ones from Bedel, showcases a gentle delicacy that doesn't sacrifice depth or complexity. It's a testament to the winery's ability to produce nuanced and layered wines.
Françoise Bedel
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.