Bonville - Avize

Avize is all about lead pencil and spice. There are subtle minerals and a hint of sweetness but the power and weight of the graphite spice is always there. I can remember a vivid tasting at a vigneron in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. He had a pure Le Mesnil cuvée and a blended cuvée of 70% Le Mesnil, 10% Oger, 10% Avize, 10% Cramant. I asked him why the blend was so complex and spicy.  He immediately replied that 10% Avize is enough to make such a huge difference.

There is much synergy here with Olivier Bonville and Delphine Cazals at Claude Cazals, being a husband and wife team. Olivier is a 3rd generation Bonville, presiding over 15 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards in Avize, Cramant and Oger. There is a dazzling array of Cuvées, from the basic NV Brut, culminating in a prestige oak matured pure Oger Cuvée, “Cuvée Les Belles Voyes” – the beautiful sights – or maybe the beautifull views! The wine making style here is all about elegance and finesse and allowing the terroir to speak. We have chosen one cuvée which is typical of the style of the grower. Other cuvées include a fresh aperitif style rosé and a Prestige cuvée which is always a blend of two great vintages.