Champagne Aspasie

Champagne Aspasie

I've tasted 3 Champagnes from Champagne Aspasie -- and this house is a real discovery. What sets Aspasie apart from many others: the grape variety diversity. In addition to the three classics Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the house also works with Pinot Blanc, Arbane and Petit Meslier -- historic grape varieties that have nearly disappeared from Champagne. That alone makes Aspasie one of the most exciting producers I know.

Terroir and Location

Aspasie sources its grapes from three regions: the Cote des Blancs, the Vallée de la Marne and the Aube. This is unusual and explains the remarkable breadth in their range. The chalk soils of the Cote des Blancs deliver mineral elegance, the Vallée de la Marne provides fruit-forward accessibility, and the Aube offers a warmer, riper style. This mosaic of terroirs gives the cellar master a huge toolkit to work with.

Philosophy and Style

For me, Aspasie represents a spirit of discovery. Working with rare grape varieties shows a house that doesn't see tradition as a limitation, but as inspiration. The Champagnes are consistently precise, mineral-driven and have their own distinctive signature. Nothing here is tailored for mass appeal -- instead, the wines show character and origin.

The Range

I've tried three cuvées, including what is for me the most exciting Champagne: the Cépages d'Antan with historic grape varieties. A small but highly interesting range.

The Cuvées in Detail

Blanc de Blancs Brut

Extremely fresh and purist -- this Champagne has something maritime about it. On the nose, iodine notes, limestone, acacia blossoms and lemon. On the palate precise, lively acidity with a saline, mineral finish. This isn't a cozy Champagne for a night on the sofa, but a wine that wants to be served with oysters, sea urchin or a simple plateau de fruits de mer.

Despite the Blanc de Blancs designation, this Champagne also contains Pinot Meunier, which gives it an additional roundness that pure Chardonnay Champagnes sometimes lack.

Type: Blanc de Blancs | Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier

Cépages d'Antan

The highlight of the range. A Champagne from Arbane, Petit Meslier and Pinot Blanc -- grape varieties you'll find almost nowhere else in Champagne anymore. On the nose earthy with fresh ginger, lemon and pomelo. On the palate linear and fresh with precise citrus acidity, chalky minerality and cool herbal freshness. Razor-sharp and completely different from anything you'd expect from a classic Champagne.

Anyone who tries this Champagne immediately understands why it's a shame that these historic grape varieties have nearly disappeared. They bring aromas and textures that neither Chardonnay nor Pinot Noir can deliver.

My tip: Definitely try it if you get the chance. You rarely find something like this.

Type: Millésimé | Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbane, Petit Meslier

Brut de Fût

Warm, structured and lightly spiced with elegant barrel notes. On the nose pear, vanilla, wood, toasted hazelnuts and a touch of smoke. On the palate creamy, round and soft with perfect balance between fruit, wood and minerality. The barrique aging here isn't an end in itself, but gives the Champagne an additional dimension without dominating it.

Compared to the purist Blanc de Blancs, the Brut de Fut is the exact opposite: warm instead of cool, opulent instead of lean. With a poulet roti or a gratin dauphinois, this is an excellent companion.

Type: Brut | Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

Posts on Champagne Aspasie

What makes Aspasie special?

The grape variety diversity. Period. In a region where 99% of producers limit themselves to three grape varieties, Aspasie goes its own way. The Cépages d'Antan is a Champagne you won't find anywhere else like this. Add to that consistently high quality even in the more classic cuvées.

My Tastings

Summary