Champagne Louis Barthelemy Opale Demi Sec

What a treat it is to enjoy Louis Barthelemy's Champagnes. This slightly sweet Demi-Sec variant is no exception. The Champagne house was founded in 1923 by a Russian princess who fled Moscow. It settled in the small Champagne town of Ay, alongside other major Champagne houses such as Ayala and Deutz. In 2002, Jean Barthelemy Chancel took over the Champagne house, making it the youngest Champagne négociant of his generation. The Barthelemy family grew up in the Rhone Valley and brought the Château Val Joanis winery, in the Luberon, to great heights. Today, they have left the Rhone behind and continue to produce Louis Barthelemy's Champagnes.

The old vineyard of Champagne Louis Barthelemy

Jean's goal was to collaborate with Champagne growers and his own vineyards to bring out the best of the region. The collaboration was a resounding success; the grapes now come from various regions, many of which have been awarded Cru status. The harvest is entirely hand-picked and rigorously selected to ensure the highest quality juice. And he succeeded! The golden juice then matures for at least three years in the cellars, where it develops its full and powerful flavor.

What does Demi Sec Opale taste like?

We remove the Champagne cork and immediately smell notes of ripe yellow fruit and a hint of honey. As we pour, we see beautiful, tiny bubbles, a hallmark of Champagne Louis Barthelemy. The golden color sparkles in the glass, and we raise it to our nose. We smell hints of almond and brioche bread, accompanied by fresh yellow fruit. The palate is beautifully harmonious, soft with hints of sweet fruit and a hint of honey.