
Bulles Comptoir #9 Traditional, NV, Champagne
Charles Dufour
Grape(s): Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc
Region, Country: Côte des Bars, Champagne, France
Soil: Clay and limestone
Harvest: Organic, by hand
Winemaking: Malolactic fermentation in stainless steel and old barrel
Aging: 2 years in bottle on lees
Winemaker(s): Charles Dufour
Organic viniculture, Herbicide-free farming, Traditional hand picking, Use of natural yeast wine without added sulfites. 85% of the fruit comes from the 2017 vintage, 15% from a reserve perpétuel, a Solera from the 2010 to 2016 vintages. The 2017 wine was fermented spontaneously and has undergone malolactic fermentation. It was stored in wooden containers of various sizes (75%) and in the tank for 12 months. After the second fermentation, it was stored sur lees until January 2020 and then disgorged.
Charles Dufour is an incredibly talented, hardworking grower and winemaker. From a family deeply rooted in the winemaking traditions of Champagne, Charles farms 6 certified organic hectares in Landreville in the Cotes des Bars region of the Aube. Considered a rebel, Charles adopts unique practices for Champagne, like being certified organic by Ecocert, avoiding the use of industrial yeasts, rarely adding sugar, often choosing to age in wine steel rather than barrel, minimal sulfur and a fascination with adding Pinot Blanc to his blends. Charles is a one-man show, therefore production is small, and expansion is not an option. His wines are charismatic as he is!