Wine Advisor
Clandestin, Austral Les Semblables Pinot Noir Brut Nature 2022
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Description
The Champagne Austral by Clandestin is a Blanc de Noirs made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes, born from the collaboration between Benoit Doussot and Vouette & Sorbée. The grapes come from organically farmed vineyards in the Côte des Bar, all south-facing and rooted in Kimmeridgian soils with a calcareous-clay matrix — a reflection of a pristine and distinctive terroir. The 2021 vintage is vinified in used barriques with only indigenous yeasts, without any oenological intervention.After tirage, the wine matures for a minimum of 24 months on its lees, before disgorgement with no final dosage (Brut Nature, 0 g/L),enhancing an artisanal and pure vision of Champagne. On the nose, Austral reveals a layered and vibrant profile: wild red berries and flint open the aromatic scene,followed by notes of pear, ripe citrus, bread dough, and light honey, in an evolution that combines freshness and maturity. The extended lees ageing, including time in bottle, contributes to the aromatic complexity and precision of this cuvée. On the palate, it is direct, tense and saline, supported by incisive acidity and a nearly tactile,enveloping texture. The finish is clean and persistent,faithfully reflecting the nature of the terroir and the vigneron’s philosophy: a structured, mineral, and architectural Champagne, crafted for those seeking an authentic sensory experience, free of superfluous embellishments.
About the Producer
Clandestin is a winery located in Champagne, France, known for its exceptional sparkling wines. The winery sources grapes from some of the most prestigious vineyards in the region, focusing on organic and biodynamic farming practices to ensure high-quality, expressive wines. Clandestin’s offerings include a range of Champagnes that highlight the unique terroir of their vineyards, with a commitment to minimal intervention winemaking. This approach allows the natural characteristics of the grapes to shine through, resulting in wines that are both elegant and complex.
