AŸ: A PRESTIGIOUS,
THOUSAND-YEAR OLD GRAND CRU VINEYARD
Aÿ’s winemaking history dates back almost 1,700 years to the Roman era. In the 16th century, Henry IV, ”His Majesty of Aÿ and good wine’‘, created the reputation of still white wines from Aÿ throughout his kingdom.
Around two hundred years later, the invention of blending, and the control of secondary fermentation in bottle, gave birth to Champagne, the sparkling wine that we know today.
rancis Tribaut is the heir to four generations of winemakers and Champagne producers in the Marne region. He graduated from the Dijon School of Oenology in 1987 before working his way up through the ranks of prestigious Champagne houses where he gradually developed his technical expertise. He devoted himself to his family’s wine domaine in 1991 while continuing to act as a consultant to prestigious Champagne houses. LALLIER was one of them. He took over from René-James Lallier in 2004 when he became its new owner.
100% ownership of the company means Francis Tribaut has complete independence in decision-making.
He is also the estate Manager of the Domaine LALLIER (a vineyard of 15 hectares, the majority of which is Grand Cru). He also personally manages the supply of grapes from partner wine growers.
Francis Tribaut is supported in his task by a small dedicated team. A man of great conviction and insight, he knows how to listen to people and to identify trends. Constantly good humoured, he also appreciates fine wine and quality cuisine !
Francis Tribaut’s forward-thinking approach has convinced him that there can be a new way of working between the independent, and often single vineyard producers , and the major, and sometimes impersonal, Champagne houses. This unique vision is at the core of LALLIER’s production processes, where the Champagne house’s ”craftsmen” create champagnes of exceptional quality in the Oger cellars.
These cellars combine state-of-the art facilities with traditional techniques ensuring that ancestral skills and experience are backed up by technical innovation.
LALLIER’s art is built on a very fine balance between an in-depth understanding of the champagne making process, respect for the unique personality of the terroir, and the ability to express the true emotion of a prestigious Cru of Champagne in each and every glass.
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All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
Tenuta di Arceno Valadorna is made from 60% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot .
The first impression of the nose is earthy with notes of cypress, vanilla bean, and spice. There are deep fruit flavors of black cherries, plums and blueberries followed by pleasant hints of chocolate and dried rose petals. On the palate, the tannins are chewy and accompanied by lively acidity; contributing to a long finish dominated by flavors of dried figs and licorice. The 2016 Valadorna is a time bomb of joy that will stand the test of time and age well in the cellar if patience permits.
This Merlot-led blend is sourced primarily from the Valadorna and Capraia blocks, which produce the estate’s most complex and mineral-based expressions of this variety. The blocks are located within the cooler part of the estate, naturally irrigated by the stream that undulates through it, and feature sandy brown soils and lower yields than typical. These blocks are often the last Merlot blocks to ripen on the estate.
Review:
Solid and radiant in the glass it shows notes of pink grapefruit, flowering geraniums, pressed blueberries, plums and rosemary. There is more in the background in the brightness of the lemon, lime and bergamot notes. Full body, well-polymerized tannins that are decidedly vibrant and tense at the moment and an impressive long finish that will relax over time. Better from 2024.
-Raffaele Vecchione - WinesCritic.com 96 Points