Clandestin : Austral

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for Austral from Domaine Clandestin

Tasting

Appearance

The wine shows a pale golden-yellow hue, enlivened by a fine, persistent mousse that speaks of a carefully managed second fermentation and a substantial period of ageing on lees in bottle.

Nose

The nose opens with ripe yellow fruit and mirabelle plum aromas, followed by notes of candied lemon and a spicy touch reminiscent of gingerbread. A mineral, saline thread completes the bouquet, echoing the clay-limestone soils typical of the Côte des Bar.

Palate

On the palate, this champagne reveals a rich, vinous texture, carried by a well-judged acidity that brings balance to its generous body. The lively, saline finish lingers persistently in a resolutely dry style, confirming the gastronomic character of the cuvée.

Food and Wine Pairing

Conceived more for the table than for simple service as an aperitif, Austral NM is an ideal partner for dishes with character: white meats in sauce, roast poultry or fine fish in boldly seasoned preparations will match its ample texture and aromatic power.

Austral, a Vinous Blanc de Noirs from the Côte des Bar by Clandestin

The Estate

Based in Landreville, in the Côte des Bar, Champagne Clandestin is a micro-négociant run by Benoît Doussot, a Burgundian winemaker trained at renowned estates who has settled in Champagne without any vineyard holdings of his own. Relying on a network of partner growers working organically, the House vinifies each plot separately to reveal its identity. Its approach, inspired by Burgundy, focuses on a close reading of soils and exposures, far from standardised blends.

The Vineyard

The grapes come from south-facing Champagne plots in the Côte des Bar, in the area around Buxières-sur-Arce and neighbouring villages. Planted on slopes of moderate altitude, these vines grow on clay-limestone marls of Kimmeridgian origin, with limestone influences typical of the area. They are farmed organically, without herbicides or chemical fertilisers, by the House's partner growers.

Vinification and Ageing

Austral is a champagne whose base generally comes from a single harvest, identified internally by a cuvée code rather than by a vintage displayed on the label. This approach allows the House to maintain a consistent style from one edition to the next, while letting the nuances specific to each year of production shine through.

The grapes are hand-harvested and then gently pressed to obtain a clear juice, vinified as a white wine despite the use of Pinot Noir. Fermentation takes place spontaneously, thanks to indigenous yeasts, mainly in large wooden vessels. Ageing on lees continues for several months before bottling, followed by the second fermentation and about 15 months of ageing on lees in bottle, depending on the edition. Austral is then disgorged with no dosage whatsoever, in pure keeping with the House's Brut Nature style.

Grape Variety

This cuvée is crafted from 100% Pinot Noir, vinified as a Blanc de Noirs.