Love Story 2012
Bonnaire-Clouet | Extra Brut | Vintage 2012
Sometimes you open a bottle and quickly realize: This isn't a solo artist – this is someone who needs a partner.
Yesterday it was the "Love Story 2012" from Bonnaire-Clouet for us. Beautiful, full of character – but in the best sense, a champagne for pairing.
What immediately stands out: That oxidative depth from extended lees aging in oak barrels. Not overdone, not musty – more like a warm, nutty undertone that immediately draws you in.
The acidity? Gentle, elegant, less driving than expected. And then came my favorite moment of the evening: My wife takes a sip and says matter-of-factly: "Tastes like dust."
And the crazy thing: She was right. Not in a negative way, more fascinating – this hard-to-describe, dry, powdery aroma that you don't encounter in your glass every day. The kind of note that pairs better with scallops, shrimp, or a good poultry dish than with the couch.
The cuvée itself is actually a beautiful statement: 50% Chardonnay from Cramant + 50% Pinot Noir from Bouzy – two Grand Cru villages, two worlds, one wine.
A champagne with character, depth, and attitude – but not one that wants to dance alone. With food, however? That's when it completely comes alive.
Tasting Notes
Oxidative depth with warm, nutty undertones from extended lees aging in oak barrels. Gentle, elegant acidity and a fascinating dry, powdery aroma – a champagne that flourishes with food.
Manchmal öffnest du eine Flasche und merkst schnell: Das hier ist kein Solo-Künstler – das ist jemand, der ein Gegenüber braucht. Gestern war es…
Details
| Producer | Bonnaire-Clouet |
| Cuvée | Love Story 2012 |
| Vintage | 2012 |
| Category | Extra Brut |
| Grape Varieties | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir |
| Terroir | Grand Cru, Blanc de Blancs Terroir |
| Style | Extra Brut, Brut, Vintage |
| Highlights | nutty, oxidative, powdery-dry, food pairing |