Franc Bonville Brut Blanc de Blancs 2016

The Franck Bonville Brut Blanc de Blancs 2016 is a vintage Champagne of remarkable elegance and depth, crafted exclusively from 100% Chardonnay sourced from the grand cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. The exceptional 2016 vintage brings both complexity and refinement to this wine, with its extended aging on the lees lending richness and texture while preserving the hallmark freshness of Chardonnay. This vintage cuvée is a stunning showcase of the house’s dedication to expressing terroir, where the chalk-rich soils impart a signature minerality and finesse. Perfectly balanced between vibrancy and sophistication, the Franck Bonville Brut Blanc de Blancs 2016 is a Champagne to savor now or cellar for years to come.

The champagne house Diebolt-Vallois can be found in Cramant, a village in the "Côte des Blancs" - it`s chalky soil makes the perfect home for Chardonnay vines. It is certainly one of the finest terroirs in the Champagne region and the realm of "blanc de blancs" champagnes. In 1978 the estate underwent a sea-change with the extension of the estate and the construction of all the cellars and the winery. The Diebolt-Vallois champagne vineyards cover 11 hectares the great majority of which are in Cramant and Cuis, two villages that are classed as Grand Cru and Premier Cru respectively. All of these are planted entirely with Chardonnay. Some vines on the Montagne de Reims and the Côte de Bar complete the estate's holdings, and these are planted with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Vineyards are on The East-South-East facing slopes suit the Chardonnay particularly well, and it gives the champagne power and rich texture. The grapes are hand picked and each plot is picked separately and vinified apart. The harvest is either pressed in a traditional vertical press or pneumatically. Only the "cuvees" - the juice from the first pressing - are kept for all the blanc de blancs. Depending on the wine, fermentation is either carried out in thermostatically controlled vats or in wooden barrels. Malolactic fermentation takes place in all the wines except Fleur de Passion which is the prestige cuvee of the house.

On the nose, the Franck Bonville Brut Blanc de Blancs 2016 reveals an enticing bouquet of citrus blossoms, lemon curd, and crisp green apple, underscored by hints of white peach, hazelnut, and freshly baked brioche. The palate is bright and lively, with zesty flavors of grapefruit, lime, and golden pear, balanced by subtle notes of almond cream and a distinctive chalky minerality. A creamy, fine mousse provides texture and elegance, while the wine’s racy acidity carries it to a long, focused finish marked by whispers of toasted pastry and saline complexity.

The Franck Bonville Brut Blanc de Blancs 2016 is an exquisite partner for dishes that highlight its brightness, minerality, and depth. Start with a plate of freshly shucked oysters or scallop carpaccio, where the Champagne’s saline and citrus notes beautifully echo the oceanic freshness. For a more substantial pairing, try lemon-roasted chicken or turbot with beurre blanc, as the wine’s creamy texture complements the richness of these dishes while its acidity cuts through the buttery elements. Aged cheeses like Parmesan or a firm Comté also provide an excellent match, as their nutty complexity mirrors the wine’s subtle toasty undertones. Whether paired with delicate seafood or rich, creamy dishes, this vintage Champagne enhances every bite with its precision and finesse.