Charles VII cuvées: from history to gastronomy

In 1968, Maison Canard-Duchêne celebrated its centenary.

To mark the occasion, Victor Canard, 3rd in line, created Charles VII cuvée as a tribute to the royal history of the Champagne region.

Focus on the historical heritage of this emblematic cuvée, its rare oenological qualities and the gastronomic pairings it offers.

Witness to a royal heritage

Canard-Duchêne has always maintained an intimate link with its heritage, whether historical or linked to its terroir.

Charles VII champagnes commemorate the coronation of the Dauphin. Led by Joan of Arc, he was crowned king on July 17, 1429 in Reims Cathedral, in the presence of Jean Canard, Abbot of Saint-Rémi.

To highlight this anniversary cuvée the Maison developed a streamlined bottle with a unique and exclusive shape.

These historical facts and testimonies to Maison Canard-Duchêne’s past still remain enhanced today through this luminous, ceremonious bottle, with its curved, rounded, original contours.

The benefits of this bottle

To honor the transmission of this precious heritage, but not only. All our Charles VII cuvées feature this distinctive silhouette, but what are the benefits for the wine?

Philippe Jamesse, Head Sommelier and Champagne Specialist, shares his analysis:

“The curvature and the exclusive shape with its progressive amplitude have multiple oenological virtues in terms of foaming and ageing. In addition to conferring a wider favorable space for the life of wine and dissolved carbon dioxide, it greatly facilitates better-regulated internal movements and external exchanges. “

Oxygen intake is ideal: the wine breathes slowly, and the aromatic and taste molecules, like the bubbles, form precisely, without haste.
The bottle’s large body allows for greater concentration, and the wine is stored in a condensed, “sur masse” manner, favoring kinetic inertia.
Multiple promises are kept for a perfect tasting experience.

Gastronomic pairings

An exceptional range from Maison Canard-Duchêne, these cuvées are composed of a high proportion of Premiers and Grands Crus, an important part of reserve wines and prolonged cellar ageing.
Their oenological qualities sublimate the purest products to the most sophisticated dishes, making them perfect companions for gastronomy.

Brut gastronomic cuvée

Blending: 45% Pinot Noir – 30% Chardonnay – 25% Meunier.

This cuvée celebrates the art of living with its golden summer yellow!
Aromas of buds and fresh leaves for infusion, such as lime blossom and verbena, are revealed. On the palate, yellow and orange citrus fruits, flowers and herbs combine brightness and tenderness.
The transmission of previous years is easily established thanks to 40% reserve wine.

Our Cellar Master recommends:
– Perfect egg, cream of fava bean, parmesan crisp
– Couteau and cockle in saffron marinara, organic lemon juice and fresh coriander

Blanc de Blancs gastronomic cuvée

Blending: 100% Chardonnay.

Feast on its remarkable green-gold color!
Green apple, citrus fruit and the purity of white flowers reveal the delicacy and elegance of this cuvée. Backed by 30% reserve wines, the William pear then stands out with its tenderness and voluptuousness.

A piece of advice from our Cellar Master:
– Platter of fresh oysters, julienne of black radish and sesame seeds
– Salad of poultry supreme, emmental cheese, celery root, Granny Smith apple, lemon cream, green olive oil, fleur de sel

Blanc de Noirs gastronomic cuvée

Blending: 100% Pinot Noir.

50% reserve wines distil their deep intensity into this powerful, balanced and generous champagne.
On the palate, this bright yellow cuvée reveals notes of custard coated with a tropical blend of lychee and white fruits such as mirabelle plum and white plum. Gradually, the Pinot Noirs delicately express notes of black fruits and cherries.
Finally, the palate is chiselled by a fruity white stone and a raspberry red that bring their sweet touch.

Food and wine pairing suggestions:
– Madagascar prawn tartar, pomegranate and red currant, pink pepper, Himalayan salt, black olive oil
– Beef confit in ravioli, mushroom broth with lemongrass and crisp vegetables

Rosé gastronomic cuvée

Blending: 50% Pinot Noir – 40% Chardonnay – 10% Meunier.

With 30% reserve wines, this seductive cuvée with its bursts of blood orange promises a bouquet of clementine, orange pulp, red berries and forest fruits.

Sensations of light red-fruit cream are immediate. Notes of cherry pie reveal themselves. It’s then scented with grenadine.
The lively flavors of wild strawberries, wild raspberries and redcurrants come through on the finish.

Recommendation from our Cellar Master:
– Seared tuna a la plancha, tomato brunoise Beef heart, preserved leeks, balsamic vinegar
– Roasted figs, verbena cream, Breton shortbread with hazelnuts

Each of these cuvées has its own personality. They are characterized by the determination of our Cellar Master, Laurent Fédou, to work on champagnes that are complex, mature and structured, but always full of freshness.
A unique style combining consistency and vitality!