Waris-Hubert
Lilyale Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Zero – NV
Region: France - Champagne
Waris-Hubert
Often in the region of Champagne, from the hands of matrimony stems the joining not only of two people but plots of vineyard land as well. In 1997, Stéphanie Hubert and Olivier Waris were wed.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
Chardonnay Grand Cru vineyards in villages Cramant, Avizé and Oger. The purity, minerality and freshness of the chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs.
- Soils: Calcareous clay
- Vine age: average 35 years
- 100% tillage
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested
- 100% cuvee, blend of 3 years: 2012, 2013, 2018
- Cold settling at 39°F for 72 hours then alcoholic fermentation at 60°F/16ºC for 6-8 months
- Aged in cave 3 years sur lies at 52ºF/11ºC
- No dosage
Winemaker's Notes
Pale golden colour with intense glints of emerald green. Fine and lively effervescence; lasting beads of bubbles. The aromas are elegant and expressive with a floral and springlike tone. Notes of lime blossom, mint and freshly mown grass develop, which evolve to white fruit and fresh Mirabelle plum. The scent of Viennese pastries and brioche fill the senses. The palate is full and with a rich attack. Firm and powerful. Dense in the evolution phase with lively lemon flavors, complimented by minerality and hints of wild citrus fruits. It’s the purity, and elegance of the chardonnay grand cru of the Côte des Blancs. Elegant and expressive.
Wine Summary
100% Chardonnay; vine age – 30 year average in 2020; grown in villages of Avizé, Oger and Cramant on soils of calcareous and clay; fermented in stainless steel vats at 60°F; no malolactic fermentation; aged sur lies in bottle at 52ºF/11ºC for 3 years; no dosage.
Technical Information
- 100% Chardonnay Grand Cru, 100% cuvée (first press juice)
- Alcohol: 12%
- No dosage
Miscellaneous
Lilyale means a very pure white, very clear. It also takes the concept of chardonnay which is a white grape.
Reviews
92 Points
100% Chardonnay from Grand Cru Villages, Avize, Oger and Cramant. Light yellow; aromas of lemon peel, a hint of grapefruit and hints of green apple. Medium-full with a rich mid-palate, ripe fruit, good freshness and very good acidity. Excellent persistence, and quite stylish. Enjoy over the next 5-8 years. Excellent (92)
Forbes, April, 2021
General Info
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Appellation(s) | Côte des Blancs |
| Proprietors | Olivier & Stephanie Waris-Hubert |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Winemaker | Olivier Waris-Hubert |
| Annual Production | 5,000 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Sustainable |