Odyssée 319 'Millésime' Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Avize Grand Cru, Champagne, France 2017
Odyssée 319 is a project launched by Olivier Bonville and his son-in-law Ferdinand Ruelle-Dudel, who together lead Champagne Franck Bonville — a four-generation grower-producer based in Avize at the heart of the Côte des Blancs. The family's roots in Avize date to around 1900, when Alfred Bonville acquired vineyard holdings in the village; the house has operated under its own label since the 1950s. Odyssée 319 takes its name from Champagne's 319 classified crus, and its animating concept is methodical: beginning from their home terroir in Avize, Olivier and Ferdinand aim to make at least one cuvée from each of Champagne's 319 villages over the course of their careers. The permanent range is anchored in the Côte des Blancs, with the Millésime representing a yearly vintage-specific expression drawn from the Grand Cru parcels the family has long farmed across Avize, Oger, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
- WINEMAKER: Olivier Bonville and Ferdinand Ruelle-Dudel
- FARMING: Currently converting to organic farming; chemical herbicides and pesticides eschewed for over a decade. Certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE). 15 hectares across 77 parcels in the Grand Cru villages of Avize (approximately 9 ha), Oger (4.5 ha), and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (1.5 ha), all 100% Chardonnay.
- VARIETY: 100% Chardonnay
- TERROIR: Sourced from Grand Cru parcels across Avize, Oger, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger — three of the Côte des Blancs' most celebrated villages, all rated 100% Grand Cru. Avize produces wines of mineral tension and tightly structured acidity; Oger adds a more generous, rounded character; Le Mesnil-sur-Oger contributes the chalky precision and longevity for which it is uniquely renowned. All three villages sit on deep Belemnite chalk, which provides excellent drainage and imparts the region's hallmark mineral definition. The 2017 growing season was shaped by severe spring frosts on April 19–20 that significantly reduced yields, followed by heavy rainfall in July and August; cooler conditions in August preceded a harvest beginning September 1. Yield reduction and concentration from the frost resulted in wines of notable aromatic intensity.
- VINIFICATION: Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation completed. Tirage sous liège (cork-sealed tirage).
- AGING: Extended lees aging in bottle prior to disgorgement. Dosage: 2 g/L (Extra Brut).
- TASTING NOTES: The nose is generous and open, with lightly caramelized notes, white peach, honeysuckle, and sweet almond. The palate is round and voluptuous, with ripe fruit, toasted brioche, and pastry nuances. The finish carries a delicate bitterness and notable length, with a lemony, floral lift. Silky texture throughout.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Langoustines, turbot with beurre blanc, soft-ripened cheeses, Parmesan risotto.
- SCORES:
Odyssée 319 'Millésime' Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Avize Grand Cru, Champagne, France 2017
Odyssée 319 is a project launched by Olivier Bonville and his son-in-law Ferdinand Ruelle-Dudel, who together lead Champagne Franck Bonville — a four-generation grower-producer based in Avize at the heart of the Côte des Blancs. The family's roots in Avize date to around 1900, when Alfred Bonville acquired vineyard holdings in the village; the house has operated under its own label since the 1950s. Odyssée 319 takes its name from Champagne's 319 classified crus, and its animating concept is methodical: beginning from their home terroir in Avize, Olivier and Ferdinand aim to make at least one cuvée from each of Champagne's 319 villages over the course of their careers. The permanent range is anchored in the Côte des Blancs, with the Millésime representing a yearly vintage-specific expression drawn from the Grand Cru parcels the family has long farmed across Avize, Oger, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
- WINEMAKER: Olivier Bonville and Ferdinand Ruelle-Dudel
- FARMING: Currently converting to organic farming; chemical herbicides and pesticides eschewed for over a decade. Certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE). 15 hectares across 77 parcels in the Grand Cru villages of Avize (approximately 9 ha), Oger (4.5 ha), and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (1.5 ha), all 100% Chardonnay.
- VARIETY: 100% Chardonnay
- TERROIR: Sourced from Grand Cru parcels across Avize, Oger, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger — three of the Côte des Blancs' most celebrated villages, all rated 100% Grand Cru. Avize produces wines of mineral tension and tightly structured acidity; Oger adds a more generous, rounded character; Le Mesnil-sur-Oger contributes the chalky precision and longevity for which it is uniquely renowned. All three villages sit on deep Belemnite chalk, which provides excellent drainage and imparts the region's hallmark mineral definition. The 2017 growing season was shaped by severe spring frosts on April 19–20 that significantly reduced yields, followed by heavy rainfall in July and August; cooler conditions in August preceded a harvest beginning September 1. Yield reduction and concentration from the frost resulted in wines of notable aromatic intensity.
- VINIFICATION: Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation completed. Tirage sous liège (cork-sealed tirage).
- AGING: Extended lees aging in bottle prior to disgorgement. Dosage: 2 g/L (Extra Brut).
- TASTING NOTES: The nose is generous and open, with lightly caramelized notes, white peach, honeysuckle, and sweet almond. The palate is round and voluptuous, with ripe fruit, toasted brioche, and pastry nuances. The finish carries a delicate bitterness and notable length, with a lemony, floral lift. Silky texture throughout.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Langoustines, turbot with beurre blanc, soft-ripened cheeses, Parmesan risotto.
- SCORES: