Varnier-Fanniere, Esprit de Craie Extra Brut Avize Grand Cru NV

Varnier-Fannière estate is small, but formidable. With four hectares of vines, averaging 45 years of age, in Avize, Oger, Oiry and Cramant, this estate has been producing outstanding wines for the last 30 years.

Valérie Varnier has taken over the mantle at this estate in 2017 after the death of her husband and 3rd generation producer, Denis Varnier. He was a believer in old vines and work in the vineyard and after his passing, Valérie said that there was “no question” about whether she would continue making the wines and she completed her first solo harvest a few months later.

The wines are bottled early and with a lower than average atmospheric pressure, emphasizing their vinous nature. “I prefer the wine to evolve in the bottle rather than in tank, so I try to get as much time in the bottle as possible” said Denis.