By Champagne Veuve Doussot
"Ernestine" 2016

Vigneron Profile
Stephane Joly comes from a family of winegrowers that have lived in the heart of the Champagne region for over a century. In 1970, Georges Joly and his sons created the first-ever Veuve Doussot cuvee. Stephane Joly adheres to the high-quality standards set by his grandfather, father, and uncles. His passion for winemaking extends through each part of the process to create Cuvee Ernestine.

Terroir and Cellar Notes
The 'Cuvee' is an exceptional Champagne produced only in years when the harvest is of such high quality that Veuve Doussot declares it a vintage. Its robust structure comes from the 25-year-old Pinot Noir vines planted in Kimmeridgian-clay soils. Located on 17.30 acres in the Cote des Bar region of southern Champagne, these soils, rich in clay and limestone, are perfectly suited to cultivating Pinot Noir. These soils bring freshness and minerality to the final wine. The addition of Chardonnay contributes crispness and balance to this great vintage. The wine is aged 36 months 'sur lattes' in the Veuve Doussot cellars.

Tasting Notes
This vintage is round and subtle, and it gives delicate white flower notes thanks to the 30% Chardonnay. The palate is rich with honey and hints of apricots.

Wine Details
Production Area: Cote des Bar, Aube, Champagne-Ardenne, France
Appellation: AOC Champagne
Vineyard: Vines are on average 25 years old, planted in Kimmeridgian clayey soils
Density: 8,260 vines/ha
Size: 17.30 acres
Farming: Sustainable
Blend: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
Dosage: 6 - 8g/l
Fermentation: Approximately eight weeks
Aging: 36 months 'sur lattes'
[Information provided by Serge Dore Selections]

VEUVE DOUSSOT Champagne 'Cuvee Ernestine' 2016
Rating: 93
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Appellation: Champagne
Editor: J. D'Angelo
Issue: March, 2021
Importer: Serge Dore Selections
The 2016 'Cuvee Ernestine' is another beautiful showing from Veuve Doussot. This instantly begins to impress with its wonderful aromatics of apples and poached pear along with buttered brioche, white florals, salty minerals and hints of crushed hazelnut. On the palate this is broad shouldered, with notable depth, yet it remains precise and beautifully balanced displaying a lovely combination of acidity and minerality that persists through the finish. Overall, this is a fabulous Champagne that is drinking remarkably well today, but should also offer another decade of enjoyment.

Veuve Doussot 2016 Cuvee Ernestine Brut (Champagne)
Rating: 93
Designation: Cuvee Ernestine Brut
Special Designation: Cellar Selection
Variety: Champagne Blend, Sparkling
Appellation: Champagne, Champagne, France
Winery: Veuve Doussot
Alcohol: 12.50%
Bottle Size: 750.00 ml
Category: Sparkling
Importer: Serge Dore Selections
Date Published: 10/1/2021
Reviewed By: Roger Voss
Ernestine Doussot is the widow, or Veuve, Doussot who ran the company in the 19th century. This homage Champagne is still young, with bright acidity and great freshness. Drink this wine from 2023.