Grauves – Pierre Callot Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs

Overview

The Grauves represents one of the purest and most mineral expressions of Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs. Sourced from the Grand Cru of Grauves, this Champagne stands out for its extreme elegance, freshness, and fine structure. With a zero dosage and 30 months aging on lees, it offers an intense, vertical aromatic profile, ideal for lovers of authentic Blanc de Blancs. Limited to approximately 4,500 bottles, each one reflects the chalky terroir and the house philosophy of Pierre Callot.

Wine History

The Grauves was created to showcase the most representative plots of the Côte des Blancs. Tradition and innovation meet in this Champagne: about 20% of the wine matures in oak barrels for 12 months, while the final blend includes two separate vintages, providing complexity and aromatic continuity. This Blanc de Blancs embodies six generations of Callot family experience and their respect for Chardonnay, producing a wine fully aligned with the house’s pursuit of excellence.

Vineyard Philosophy

The Grauves vineyard, part of the estate’s 7 hectares, is managed according to lutte raisonnée, with manual harvesting and careful attention to the chalky soils. The goal is to preserve vine health and achieve grapes balanced and rich in natural aromas. Every vineyard intervention aims to enhance the mineral character and finesse of the Chardonnay, combining tradition, manual work, and sustainability to express the unique personality of this Grand Cru.

Winery Approach

Vinification respects terroir typicity: 20% of the wine is aged in oak barrels for 12 months, and the final blend includes two vintages, ensuring complexity and consistency. Aging continues for 30 months on lees, with zero dosage, highlighting fruit purity and terroir minerality. Clarification occurs via degorgement, and all winemaking steps aim to enhance Chardonnay and the wine’s vertical structure. The result is an elegant, persistent, and precise Blanc de Blancs, perfect for enthusiasts of authentic Champagne.

Tasting Notes

Color: intense straw yellow with greenish reflections.
Nose: complex aromas of citrus, white flowers, and typical chalky minerality.
Palate: fresh, vertical, and vibrant, with fine bubbles, balanced acidity, and a long, elegant finish.

Food Pairing

Ideal with shellfish, oysters, high-quality sushi, as well as baked fish dishes and delicate fresh cheeses. Perfect for gourmet tastings and fine dining occasions.

Technical Sheet

• Region: Champagne, Avize

• Grape: 100% Chardonnay

• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs S.A.

• Vineyard area: 7 ha

• Soil: chalky

• Viticulture: lutte raisonnée, récoltant-manipulant

• Harvest: manual

• Vinification: 20% aged in oak barrels for 12 months, blend of 2 vintages

• Aging: 30 months on lees

• Dosage: 0 g/l

• Clarification: degorgement

• Production: 4,500 bottles

Maison Pierre Callot – Champagne Grand Cru Côte des Blancs

History of Maison Pierre Callot

The history of Maison Pierre Callot dates back to the 18th century, when the family began as a grape-supplying company. Louis Callot, born in Avize in 1784, marks the first chapter of a tradition that now spans six generations of winemakers deeply connected to the Côte des Blancs region. In 1955, Pierre Callot decided to establish his own brand, transforming passion into a recognizable and independent family project. Since 1996, Thierry Callot, the youngest of four children, has been leading the house, maintaining continuity while guiding the company toward a modern vision without abandoning its historical heritage. Each bottle tells a story that spans centuries of dedication and love for the vine, combining artisanal tradition with modern precision.

Vineyard Philosophy

The strength of Maison Pierre Callot lies in the vineyard, the heart of all quality decisions. The seven-hectare estate is located in some of the most prestigious villages of the Côte des Blancs, including Avize, Cramant, and Chouilly, all Grand Cru, with Grauves classified as Premier Cru. These terroirs are characterized by unique chalky soils that act as natural reservoirs of water and heat, ensuring that the Chardonnay grapes achieve freshness, finesse, and minerality. Vineyard management follows integrated pest control principles, minimizing treatments while aiming for sustainable and respectful cultivation. The vines are meticulously cared for year-round with manual work, precise pruning, cluster selection, and protection of the natural balance of the plants. The goal is to produce healthy, concentrated grapes that truly reflect the character of the terroir.

Winery Approach

At the winery, Maison Pierre Callot adopts a traditional Champenois method, where careful handling of the grapes combines with precise winemaking techniques. Pressing is done delicately to preserve the finest juice and enhance the varietal expression of Chardonnay. Fermentations are carefully controlled to highlight aromatic purity, with aging on lees adding complexity and depth. Every choice is designed to respect the fruit without overpowering it, with careful use of cellar techniques. The result is Champagnes that combine freshness, verticality, and elegance, with a clear and recognizable style. The house emphasizes stylistic consistency, ensuring a constant identity from vintage to vintage that best expresses the soul of the Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs.

Maison Vision and Identity

Maison Pierre Callot stands out for its strong identity rooted in its territory and the appreciation of Chardonnay. The house has built a reputation based on quality, craftsmanship, and respect for nature, values that guide every stage of production. The aim is not only to create prestigious Champagnes but also to tell a family story of passion and continuity. The vision looks to a sustainable future, where environmental care and responsible resource use coexist with the constant pursuit of maximum wine expression. Today, the house represents a reference point for those seeking authentic, refined, and elegant Champagne, capable of embodying the unique character of the Côte des Blancs and conveying, sip by sip, the heritage of a family that has lived the vineyard as a vocation for over two centuries.