Orpale Grand Cru 2008 – A Champagne Masterpiece

The prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2023 has crowned Champagne Orpale Grand Cru 2008 by De Saint-Gall the International Revelation Sparkling Wine. This outstanding recognition places the Champagne in the limelight, drawing attention to its unique qualities and exceptional journey from vineyard to bottle.

A Symphony of Terroirs
Champagne Orpale Grand Cru 2008 stands apart from other sparkling wines due to its exceptional origins. The blend of exquisite terroirs from four Grand Cru villages in the Côte des Blancs – Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Avize, and Oger – lends a distinctive character to this cuvée. The 2008 vintage, celebrated for its remarkable minerality, further enhances the expression of Chardonnays from these terroirs, resulting in a harmonious balance that captivates the senses.

The Profile of Champagne Orpale Grand Cru 2008
Cellar Master  Cédric Jacopin shares, “The identity of Orpale is the epitome of great Chardonnays, featuring notes of yellow fruits complemented by tertiary aromas of grilled and toasted nuances, developed through ten years of aging. This Champagne showcases tension, freshness, and Burgundian richness, embodying the essence of the extraordinary 2008 vintage.“

A distinguishing feature of the 2008 Orpale is that 21% of the base wines incorporated into the blend have not undergone malolactic fermentation. This unique attribute provides an opportunity to enhance the overall freshness of the blend.

Celebrating Excellence
Beyond its exceptional profile, Champagne Orpale Grand Cru 2008’s journey from vineyard to the final product reflects meticulous craftsmanship. “Our commitment to the environment and technical innovation underpins our winemaking philosophy,” says Jacopin. “We aim to produce terroir-driven Champagnes which are very environmentally-friendly, while addressing the challenges of climate change and maintaining our brand’s legacy of excellence and innovation.“

Awarded the Grand Gold Medal and Revelation Trophy at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2023, Champagne Orpale Grand Cru 2008 earns its place as a beacon of distinction within De Saint-Gall‘s portfolio. The accolade reinforces the winery’s dedication to delivering top-quality Champagnes and positions Orpale as an iconic offering, poised to captivate enthusiasts around the world.

The highly anticipated 2012 vintage of Orpale is set to make its debut very shortly.

Valentina Phillips