Devaux Cuvee Champagne
Devaux Cuvée D is a sophisticated and complex non-vintage Brut Champagne, primarily sourced from the Côte des Bar region. It's known for its significant Pinot Noir component, extended lees aging (minimum 5 years), and rich, balanced profile featuring notes of brioche, fruit, and spice.
Produced by Veuve A. Devaux, a house founded in 1846 and now centered in the Pinot Noir heartland of the Côte des Bar, the Cuvée D represents the pinnacle of their non-vintage range ('D Collection'). This Champagne is meticulously crafted from a blend dominated by Pinot Noir (typically around 55%) with Chardonnay (around 45%), sourced from select plots across the Côte des Bar, Côte des Blancs, and other areas, benefiting from the region's unique Kimmeridgian and Portlandian limestone soils. A significant portion (35-40%) consists of reserve wines, adding depth and complexity, with some components aged in oak. The defining feature is its extended aging period – a minimum of five years on the lees (yeast sediment) before disgorgement, far exceeding the standard requirement. This results in a Champagne with a fine, persistent mousse, a rich golden hue, and a complex palate balancing freshness with creamy intensity and layers of flavour, culminating in a long finish.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Gold-yellow color with fine, persistent bubbles (mousse).
Nose: Complex aromas featuring white blossoms (like hawthorn), soft spices, evolving into richer notes of toasted brioche, vanilla, almond/hazelnut, marzipan, and sometimes hints of candied orange peel or coffee.
Palate: Fresh and vibrant on entry, balanced by a creamy, rounded texture. Flavors echo the nose with citrus (mandarin, orange zest, lemon), stone fruit (pear, apple), pastry/brioche notes, and underlying minerality. Shows great intensity and persistence.
Recognition
International Wine Challenge (IWC): Silver Medal (e.g., 2022 vintage results), 92 points.
James Suckling: Often scores 90+ points (e.g., 92 points mentioned).
Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA): Has received medals in previous years.
Hachette Wine Guide: Mentioned with star ratings.
Food Pairings
Seafood: Scallops (especially with truffle), lobster, crab, richer fish dishes (like sea bass).
Poultry: Roast chicken, capon, quail.
White Meats: Veal, sweetbreads.
Serving Suggestions
Temperature: Serve well-chilled, ideally between 8−10 ∘ C (46−50 ∘ F).
Glassware: Serve in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or a standard white wine glass to allow the complex aromas to develop. Avoid narrow flutes which can stifle the bouquet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interesting Facts
Extended Aging: The minimum 5-year aging on lees is significantly longer than the legal requirement of 15 months for non-vintage Champagne, contributing greatly to its complexity and signature style.
Côte des Bar Focus: Devaux is a leading name from the Côte des Bar, an area known for its Pinot Noir grown on soils similar to Burgundy (Kimmeridgian marl).
'D Collection': Cuvée D is the flagship of Devaux's premium "D Collection".
Winemaker Recognition: The Chef de Cave (Chief Winemaker), Michel Parisot, was named 'Sparkling Winemaker of the Year' by the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in 2020.