Vincent Couche Brut Nature Vintage 2015
Tyson Stelzer's Annual 'Taste Champagne' event was held in August 2023 which brings hundreds of wines under the one roof for one day only. Of all the producers I tried that day, my best new discovery was without a doubt Vincent Couche. Based in the Aube district of Champagne (home to famous names such as Cedric Bouchard, Vouette & Sorbee and Jacques Lassaigne), Couche has been farming biodynamically since 2008.
This, his vintage 2015 release was the real 'wow' wine of the Taste Champagne event. there is so much going on here: initially the wine is slightly Chablis-esque with loads of salinity and iodine, a chalky crust to the fruit and driving acidity. But, partially due to being barrel fermented, there is an additional layer of texture here, giving some weight and stuffing to the profile of the wine. On top of this, as if all of that wasn't enough, hints of oxidative notes bring further complexity to the wine making it truly multi-dimensional. Being zero dosage, it is also chiselled, transparent and crystalline. Highly recommended. - Ches Cook, FWC.