The Grapes of Yesteryear with Champagne Aspasie: A Living Heritage

Crafted with love and precision, Cépages d’Antan highlights three ancient white grape varieties: Arbane, Petit Meslier and Pinot Blanc. This article takes you to discover these grape varieties, their history and the passion behind this unique creation.

The History of Ancient Grape Varieties

The grape varieties of yesteryear are not simple vestiges of the past, but living witnesses of ancient winemaking traditions. They are almost forgotten today, dominated by more common grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, which cover 99% of the Champagne vineyards. However, Arbane, Petit Meslier and Pinot Blanc have unique characteristics that make them valuable in the production of exceptional wines.

The Cépages d’Antan vintage from Champagne Aspasie: the Project of a Lifetime

The “Cépages d’Antan” cuvée from Champagne Aspasie is much more than just a wine. It is the result of a project lasting more than 30 years, started with the desire to revive the spirit of initiative and passion of the ancestor Aspasia. This meticulous work includes the rigorous selection of plants, the choice of land and the application of ancestral winemaking techniques. Each step has been designed to preserve the freshness and richness of the aromas, with prolonged aging in the cellar to perfect the balance and lightness of the wine.

The Rare Grape Varieties of the Cuvée Cépages d’Antan

Arbane: Originally from Aube, Arbane is a difficult grape variety to cultivate, sensitive to frost. This rare grape variety produces a wine rich in alcohol and with good acidity, with a generous and elegant bouquet.

Petit Meslier: Mainly grown in the Marne Valley, this white grape variety is often compared to Pinot Meunier for its similar evolution. It offers a fine, lively wine, rich in alcohol, with an aromatic typicity close to Sauvignon.

Pinot Blanc: A grape variety once widely planted in the Marne Valley, Pinot Blanc is a vigorous and cold-resistant grape variety. Although it produces a quality wine, it is often blended with other grape varieties to enhance its aromatic potential.

A Unique Tasting

The “Cépages d’Antan” cuvée from Champagne Aspasie is distinguished by its dry, generous and bouquety character. Its brioche notes and good length on the palate make it an ideal choice for an aperitif or to accompany delicate dishes such as pan-fried John Dory or sushi. The nose is floral and fresh, dominated by citrus aromas, with a bright pale yellow color.