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By: Gary Westby | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 6/13/2023 | Send Email
I sometimes feel guilty for impacting the world supply of this tiny production Champagne with my greedy consumption... But never while I am drinking it. The Cepages D'Antan is made from one press load of the near-extinct Champagne varietals Arbanne, Meslier and Pinot Blanc, and yields only about 3,000 bottles per harvest. Nothing is more electric, satisfying and complete than this exotic beauty. This is the perfect gift for the Champagne lover who has "had it all"... If I leave any behind for them!
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By: Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 3/3/2022 | Send Email
With this bottle, Aspasie offers imbibers a beautiful glass of Champagne with one hand and a glimpse into the history of the Champagne region with the other. The Cepages d'Antan is made using grape varietals that have all but gone extinct in the area: 40% Arban, 40% Petit Melie, and 20% Pinot Blanc. If that sounds like an odd Champagne blend then you'd be correct, but rest assured that there's no mistaking this for anything but a great Champagne! Green apple kicks off the nose followed briskly by tropical fruits, clotted cream, a slight toasty edge, and fresh raspberries. On the palate I get bright cherry, passion fruit, and mandarin orange. The acidity is on point here helping to make a vivacious sparkler that tingles and tickles the tongue. If anyone tries to tell you that history is boring, give them a glass of this.
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By: Giovanni Bueno | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 2/5/2022 | Send Email
This is not just a wine for the wine nerd. Cepages d'Antan could very well be portal from the past into the future of Champagne, using once forgotten about grapes native to Champagne. Cloy and veiled initially, this wine really starts to open up with air, so if you're not one to decant Champagne, try it out with this special blend. You will be rewarded with a bouquet of different citrus from a touch of mandarin peel, to plucky lemon and even some buddha's hand? Then the butter cracker comes through and the extended lees pays off as swirls of heady savory herbs come into the finish. Who knows if climate change means we move back to some of these forgotten varietals, but at least you'll know what everyone had been missing when we get there.
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By: Diana Turk | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 9/27/2016 | Send Email
Wow. Mostly from the 2010 vintage (you can tell by inspecting what’s printed on the cork), this is a field blend of indigenous varietals Arbanne and Meslier, plus Pinot Blanc, and is drinking beautifully. Neroli on the nose, more aromatic and complex than just citrus, and riper fruit through the palate, thanks in part to later-ripening Pinot Blanc. But that orange blossom really comes alive after aging, as Cepages d’Antan is bursting with honeysuckle, white floral, tart lemon, beeswax, and wild honey, plus weighty biscuit notes from a longer time on the lees. The acid is still bright, but what really sets it apart is a slight earthy funk, with interesting rusticity and depth in addition to elegance. A must try for oenophiles, though even casual Champagne fans will enjoy.
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By: Keith Mabry | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 8/17/2016 | Send Email
It may seem like a geeks only Champagne and it definitely fits that requirement with its blend of Arbanne, Meslier and Pinot Blanc but this is not made strictly for the sake of geeky. Full bodied with more stone fruit flavors, creamy notes. Long on finish, this a true Tete de Cuvee!
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By: Mari Keilman | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 3/31/2015 | Send Email
How can you put a price on tasting rare, almost extinct varietals from champagne like Petit Meslier, Arbanne and Pinot Blanc? Especially when they taste as amazing as the Ariston Aspasie Cepages d'Antan! When first popped the nose is quite subtle and delicate. After a little time in the glass, the Pinot Blanc begins to dominate with aromas of white nectarine, star fruit and orange blossoms. With even more time in the glass, the native varietals begin to express themselves with strong notes of chalky minerality and a hint of savory herb. Top this off with a strikingly long finish of limestone chalk and you have a champagne that is unlike anything you'll find on most wine store shelves.
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By: Kyle Kurani | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 3/10/2015 | Send Email
History in a bottle. I have never had a Champagne made with these grapes, it is truly a walk back in time, and a delicious one at that. I try to find every occasion possible to open this bottle.
When the cork is popped this bottle of bubbles is tightly wound, full of chalk and notes of stone and orchard fruit. As is warms up and breaths, the Pinot Blanc starts to shine through, ripe orchard fruits lend weight and depth. A beautiful, almost waxy mouth feel, is balance by an almost saline line of pure minerality running from start to finish. Completely unique, and absolutely stunning.
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By: Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 2/13/2012 | Send Email
A special treat for Champagne lovers. I have tasted this the Cepages d'Antan twice in the last 6 months and it just keeps getting better.It is balanced and elegant, with just enough fruit, beautiful bubbles and a nice dry finish.
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By: Scott Beckerley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 11/10/2009 | Send Email
Wow! I can honestly say that I have never tried a Champagne like this before! I first had it at our Champagne Tent Event in Redwood City and again last week (11/3). A very exotic blend of Pinot Blanc, Meslier and Arbane. White fruits such as pear, lychee and white nectarine. Add toasted pine nuts, some chalk and you have it. One of the most interesting Champagnes in the company. You already love the Rose, now try something very different. Versatile enough to start a meal with or to have with a main course. The Ariston family has done it again!
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