2021 Champagne Augustin Les Vertus

The 2021 Champagne Augustin Les Vertus is a distinctive and particularly terroir-driven Champagne from one of the most intriguing small producers on the Côte des Blancs. This cuvée demonstrates that Blanc de Blancs from Vertus can offer not only finesse and tension, but also texture, depth, and a distinct personality. Les Vertus is not a polished, technical Champagne, but rather a wine with energy, character, and a clear signature of both origin and maker.

Champagne Augustin and the vision of Marc Augustin

Champagne Augustin is the project of Marc Augustin and Emmanuelle Horeau, located in Avenay-Val-d'Or in the Montagne de Reims. The estate operates entirely biodynamically and is known for a distinctly natural and cosmic approach to viticulture. In the vineyard, work is carried out with great attention to biodiversity, soil life, and the rhythm of nature, with the aim of producing Champagnes that allow their origin to speak as purely as possible.

Although the estate became best known for Pinot Noir-based Champagnes from Avenay-Val-d'Or, Augustin also works with grapes from Vertus in the Côte des Blancs. There, Chardonnay takes on a different expression: saltier, chalkier, and with a more linear tension. Les Vertus convincingly displays that style.

Les Vertus: Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs

Les Vertus comes from Vertus, one of the most famous villages of the southern Côte des Blancs. This village is known for Chardonnay with tension, ripe citrus fruit, chalky minerality, and often just a little more breadth than the more northerly Grand Cru villages.

In Augustin's style, this means no strictly measured house style, but a lively, terroir-driven interpretation in which texture, tension, and aromatic expression come together. Les Vertus therefore reveals not only the calcareous soil of Vertus, but also the distinct signature of a producer who consciously leaves room for energy and spontaneity in the wine.

Scent, taste and character

The 2021 Les Vertus opens with an expressive and layered nose in which citrus, ripe lemon, lime zest, and white peach combine with notes of chalk, wet stone, and subtle brioche. Following this are nuances of white flowers, dried herbs, almond, and a light briny touch that immediately brings to mind the chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs.

On the palate, the combination of tension and texture is immediately striking. The mousse is refined and lively, while the wine simultaneously possesses a remarkable mouthfeel. Ripe citrus, green apple, white peach, and a light yeastiness are supported by fresh acidity and a chalky minerality that gives the wine focus and length.

What makes this Champagne special is that it feels both energetic and layered. It has the freshness and precision of Chardonnay from Vertus, but also a certain breadth and depth that make it gastronomically very interesting. The finish is long, briny, and chalky, with a lingering tension that invites the next sip.

Drinking window and food and wine pairings

The 2021 Champagne Augustin Les Vertus is already very attractive thanks to its lively fruit and tension, but will develop even more complexity with a few years of bottle aging. Preferably serve this Champagne at 8 to 10°C in a large white wine glass or Champagne glass, so that the aromatic layers are fully appreciated.

Les Vertus is perfectly suited as a gastronomic Champagne. Think of oysters, ceviche, scallops, sea bass tartare, sushi, crab, lobster, or refined vegetable dishes with citrus and spicy accents. This Champagne can also work surprisingly well with dishes featuring beurre blanc, light cream sauce, or poultry with a fresh sauce.

Why buy 2021 Champagne Augustin Les Vertus at Grandcruwijnen?

Les Vertus is a Champagne for connoisseurs seeking more than just freshness and bubbles. This is a terroir-driven Blanc de Blancs with tension, texture, and a distinct character of its own. The combination of biodynamic viticulture, a small producer with a clear vision, and the chalky origins of Vertus makes this a particularly interesting bottle for both Champagne enthusiasts and gastronomic wine lovers.