Clandestin Austral 22 Blanc de Noirs 2022

Clandestin Austral 22 Blanc de Noirs 2022

From south-facing Kimmeridgian vineyards, Austral shows a warmer and more generous expression of the Côte des Bar compared to Boreal, with riper red and black fruit, subtle spice and a fuller texture, while still retaining Pinot Noir freshness and a saline finish.
€71,00 EUR
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Sweetness Brut Nature
Vintage 2022
Alcohol % 12,5%
Grape variety 100 % Pinot Noir
Country Côte des Bar
Volume 0,75 L
Description

Style

A richer and more expressive Blanc de Noirs Champagne, showcasing the ripe, generous character of Pinot Noir from the Côte des Bar. Broader and rounder than Boréal, while retaining precision and mineral freshness.

Vineyard

Sourced from vineyards around Landreville, in the Côte des Bar. Pinot Noir is planted on Kimmeridgian limestone and clay soils — the same geological formation found in Chablis — providing structure, salinity, and minerality. Warmer, more sun-exposed parcels give Austral its riper and more generous character.

Winery

Fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel and/or used oak. No fining or filtration. Extended lees aging adds texture and complexity. 0 g/L dosage — Brut Nature.

Production

Limited production Blanc de Noirs, crafted to express the warmer, more generous side of the Côte des Bar.

Nose / Palate

Ripe strawberry, cherry, citrus zest, subtle spice, and light earthy notes. Broad and textured, with vibrant yet softer acidity, fine creamy mousse, saline minerality, and a long, expressive finish.
2022 Vintage

2022 was a remarkably warm, dry and sunny vintage in the Côte des Bar, producing healthy, ripe and concentrated grapes after a challenging period of drought and heat. The region experienced particularly strong water stress by mid-August, but welcome rainfall arrived just before harvest and helped the vines complete ripening successfully.

Vintage character: ripe and juicy fruit, concentration, generous texture, strong aromatic depth and a warmer, rounder personality, balanced by enough freshness to keep the wines energetic. The Côte des Bar’s Kimmeridgian soils and naturally expressive Pinot Noir make 2022 a particularly attractive vintage for those who enjoy Champagne with more fruit, body and immediacy.
Critics reviews
  • Kristaps Karklins 92/100

In contrast to Boréal, the NV Brut Nature Austral is sourced from south-facing vineyards and, in this latest rendition—disgorged in September 2024—derives entirely from the 2022 vintage. It offers evocative aromas of orange zest, pear and honeysuckle. On the palate, it is full-bodied, ample and textural, with a rich core of fruit, ripe yet vibrant acidity and a long, aromatic finish. This is an undeniably more powerful expression, performing well in the distinctive style of the vintage.

Drink 2025 - 2031

Kristaps Karklins, Wine Advocate (11 2025)
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Clandestin

Clandestin

Champagne Clandestin is a small, highly distinctive Champagne project founded by Benoît Doussot, a Burgundian outsider who brought a fresh perspective to the region. Launched in 2015-2016 without family vineyards, Clandestin works as a micro-négociant, sourcing organically farmed grapes from a network of growers in the Côte des Bar to highlight the untapped potential of this terroir. 

Driven by a strong focus on site and exposition, each cuvée is built around specific parcels and soil types, often separating north- and south-facing vineyards to express their differences with precision. In the cellar, the approach is resolutely minimal - spontaneous fermentations, barrel ageing, and zero-dosage bottlings allow the wines to remain pure, textured, and transparent to their origin. 

Production is small and highly focused, resulting in Champagnes that feel both experimental and deeply terroir-driven. Clandestin stands out as a modern, boundary-pushing voice in Champagne - combining Burgundian sensibility with the raw, mineral energy of the Aube.
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