Champagne Alexandra Sainz, Grand Cru Bouzy “Brut Héritage” Supply

Champagne Alexandra Sainz, Grand Cru Bouzy “Brut Héritage”

Right now, there is a single question running through the minds of every reader: “Who is Alexandra Sainz?” I couldn’t be more excited to provide that answer. Alexandra Sainz is Champagne’s newest producer in Grand Cru Bouzy but there is nothing new about the vines, the winemaker, and the unrivaled quality behind these wines. For you see, her brother is Jean-François Clouet—yes, that Clouet, the man responsible for crafting our all-time-favorite value Champagne. Now that you’re up to date, allow us to pose our own question: Have you fallen for André Clouet’s “Grande Réserve” over the years? If the answer is yes, then Alexandra Sainz’s longer-aged, more-complex, minimally produced “Brut Héritage” will send you over the moon.

Here’s how it happened: Within the last decade, Alexandra inherited a single hectare of her family’s Grand Cru Bouzy vines and began experimenting with her own microscopic lineup. Just two cuvées are produced—solely vinified by Jean-François—and both age in the ancient cellars of André Clouet. After the official launch, Alexandra set out on her own to sell them in America, and she just so happens to live down the road from SommSelect! To summarize: Virtually no one has yet caught wind of this deeply rich Bouzy Champagne and only a special few (you) are aware of the intimate André Clouet connection. If you’re thinking this has all the makings of a blockbuster, I couldn’t agree more!

You know you’ve reached the next level of Champagne when you start shopping by village, which is why you’ll generally find me next to a bottle of Grand Cru Bouzy. This village lies at the southern end of Montagne de Reims and enjoys a rare, full-southern exposure that produces vinous, deeply textured Pinot Noirs. Accordingly, it’s loaded with superstar talent like the dynastic Clouet family who first found fame after becoming the official printer for the Royal Court at Versailles in the 1700s. Their estate in Bouzy, which current owner Jean-François Clouet still calls home, dates back even further! 

But you won’t see André Clouet’s ornate label on offer today. Unbeknownst to us until recently, Jean-François has a sister, Alexandra, who also inherited a small stand of Grand Cru Bouzy vines. And so, she set out to create her own limited brand (just two cuvées) that utilizes his superb winemaking talents. This marks Alexandra’s first-ever release and you’re among the first—anywhere in the world—to savor these powerful, rich creations. 

Her Grand Cru Bouzy grapes (80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay) for “Brut Héritage” were hand-picked and transported to the nearby cellars of André Clouet. Here, both alcoholic and malolactic fermentations occurred in stainless steel vessels and a small percentage of French barrels. Older reserves, dating back to 2013, were then blended in before the wine was transferred into bottle for a slumber that lasted five years. This parcel was disgorged just months ago and topped off with a dosage of six grams. All of this—fabled terroir, meticulous winemaking, extended aging—combines to create a mineral-rich, deeply textured Grand Cru Champagne.

While one can certainly draw several parallels to André Clouet’s Bouzy champagnes, there’s no arguing that Alexandra Sainz’ “Brut Héritage” contains an extra dimension of depth and texture given the (1) small blending role of Grand Cru Chardonnay and (2) five years of sur lie aging. The wine spills into a flared tulip stem with a resplendent straw-yellow core that moves out to coppery silver hues and quickly returns rich aromas of red and yellow apple, white peach, red plum, creamy hazelnut, brioche, honeysuckle, fruitcake, crushed chalk, and exotic spices. The palate is wonderfully lush and precise, unafraid to flaunt the broad, intoxicating flavors of Grand Cru Bouzy with substantial lees aging. This is high-quality, luxurious champagne, and we’re thrilled to be introducing it into America. Quantities are limited, enjoy while it lasts.