Aurélien Suenen is seen as one of the most promising young talents in Champagne, his first love was basketball. He used to be player as well as coach at semi-pro level and returned to the family’s domaine when his father fell ill in 2008. Dynamic and committed, he progressively learnt the ropes inspired by his illustrious neighbors Pascal Agrapart (who introduced us) and Anselme Selosse, regularly exchanging with them and embracing a similar philosophy.

Aurélien made his first wines in 2009 blending the different grapes and parcels, mostly in non-vintage bottlings, as per the family tradition. Moving towards a terroir-specific approach he produced the cuvées Oiry and C+C (Cramant + Chouilly)

Vines averaging 45yo planted in the chalky soils of Oiry (Grand Cru village). Vinified and aged in 'cuve inox' and 3-5yo barrels (with malos completed) this is based on 2020 with 45% reserve wines from 2013 to 2019. Given more than two years 'sur lattes' under cap, it has the purity and delicacy you would expect of fine blanc de blancs, a delicious expression of stone fruits and stewed Sicilian lemons with the limestone-dominant terroir impacting notable length and structure.

• Aroma: Characterized by fresh green apple, citrus (lemon zest, lime), white flowers, and chalky soil tones.
• Palate: Described as racy, structured, and salty. It features a fine, elegant mousse with prominent minerality and an "ocean tanginess" or iodine finish.
• Character: Known for its slenderness and precision, reflecting the high limestone content of the Oiry terroir.

Grape: 100% Chardonnay

Region: Oiry

Dosage: 4g/L

Rating: Falstaff 93, Vivino 4.2

“The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Oiry Grand Cru is a pure Chardonnay. Creaminess, fresh and crusty baguette and Golden Delicious apple unite on an enticing nose with a bright green apple frisson as an overtone. Slenderness and delicacy define the body, but the flavors are full and almost generous. They evoke creamy porridge, mellow, freshly peeled yellow apple flesh, and a lovely sense of saltiness that has the ocean tanginess of an oyster shell. The longer you savor this, the saltier and more enticing it becomes: enfolding and oh-so-chalky. This Extra Brut is lovely and captivating, with a totally appetizing umami finish.”

93 points, Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous