André Clouet Le Clos MAGNUM 2008

Why is this Wine so Yummy?

In France a Clos is a walled vineyard. The most well known being Krug’s Clos du Mesnil and Clos d’Ambonnay. Clouet’s Le Clos is an incredible site in the best part of Bouzy, the Pinot Noir grown in 2008 exceptional.

Having worked in Champagne, seen behind the closed doors I know a fair few of the tricks of the trade. It’s refreshing when you come across someone like Jean-Francois Clouet who will openly discuss the tricks and is willing to stand by his wines. I explore the exceptional and ugly in the Wine Bites Mag article “Vintage 1998 Champagne Devaux, Bur-sur-Seine and Les Gras et Haas, Chouilly in the Côte des Blancs”

It’s fair to say Jean-François Clouet was born in a bath of Pinot, suckled on Blanc de Noir, and, grew up pour it on his corn flakes! His family was making wine a decade before Möet et Chandon’s Dom Perignon. Not long ago Bollinger rang to “enquire” read complain about Clouet’s labels ripping off their designs. After a quick look it turned out to be the other way around by decades!

Where in Champagne are Clouet’s Vineyards

Based in Bouzy with vineyards in both Bouzy and Ambonnay. The villages rest to the south of Reims and north of Épernay. Clouet is a Pinot master! Bouzy is home to many of the best Pinot growing sites in Champagne.

The map below shows the main sub-regions of Champagne

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From left to right Champagne vineyards by Soil Type, Aspect and Dominant Varietal

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Soil Types

Vineyard Aspect

Map showing dominant varieties planted in Champagne