It was new to me that Yannick is a name of Breton origin meaning ‘Little John’ – the Prevoteau wines are also a new discovery for me but not for the Guide Hachette where they have long been recognised as high-quality but reasonably priced Champagne.
In fact, the Prevoteau family have farmed their vinyards for 5 generations in the village of Dammery, just North of Epernay. The current custodians, Eric and Yannick, practice sustainable agriculture and the vinyards and winery are managed in the purest champagne tradition. They make modern wines with minimum intervention, using Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes, to produce fine-flavoured, mineralic Champagnes of great finesse.
This was recognised at the International Wine Challenge in 2018 with the awards of gold and silver medals for the Carte D’Or and Perle des Treilles Champagnes.
The Carte d’Or gold medal winner uses the three traditional Champagne grapes in equal parts. The IWC tasting notes say ‘Complex aromas of quince, mint, brioche and smoked bacon on nose. Poised acidity with fine texture and delicate hints of citrus. Exquisite balance and exceptional length ending on a generous savoury note.’ It was awarded 95 points / 100.
The Rosé is a subtle mixture of white and red wines made on the property. It has an elegant colour and delicate bouquet. The taste is of red fruits (redcurrants, raspberries). Yannick Prevoteau says it provides a good accompaniment to moments of celebration and / or romance.
La Perle des Treilles owes its name to the vines cultivated in the gardens along a wall or a trellis – the pearl being a nod to the chardonnay grape. It is made from 60% Pinot noir and 40% Chardonnay and has the ability to age for a few years. The IWC says, ‘ Fresh vibrant lemon on nose. Palate of lemon and grapefruit with a refreshing finish’, awarding the wine 90 points and a silver medal.