Bulles de Comptoir
is a renowned Champagne cuvée produced by Charles Dufour, a winemaker from Landreville in the Côte des Bar region of Champagne, France. Known for its natural wine approach, this Champagne is celebrated among enthusiasts for its unique, expressive character and minimal-intervention style. Each year, Dufour releases a new edition of Bulles de Comptoir, often with a distinct name or theme, reflecting his innovative and evolving winemaking philosophy.Key Details About Bulles de Comptoir
Producer: Charles Dufour, a vigneron born in 1982, who took over his mother’s (Françoise Martinot) family estate in 2006 and converted the vineyards to organic farming, a rarity in Champagne due to the region’s challenging climate (rain and cold).
Region: Côte des Bar, Aube, Champagne, France.
Grape Varieties: Typically a blend of Pinot Noir (dominant), Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc, all sourced from Dufour’s estate in the Arce Valley. For example, the #9 edition is 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 10% Pinot Blanc.
Style: Extra Brut, with low dosage (e.g., 2–3 g/l of residual sugar), emphasizing purity and terroir. The wine is described as vineux (vinous), mineral, and voluminous, balancing freshness and depth.
Production Method:
Uses the traditional Champenoise method (second fermentation in the bottle).
Incorporates a blend of a base vintage (e.g., 80% from 2021 for #12) with reserve wines from a solera system started in 2010, spanning multiple vintages (e.g., 2010–2020 for #12). Some editions, like #12, also include wines from an oenothèque reserve (1982–2009) from Dufour’s father, encapsulating the estate’s history.
Fermentation often occurs spontaneously in barrels (e.g., 75% in wood, 25% in tanks for #9), with malolactic fermentation and minimal or no sulfur addition.
Aging on lees (sur lattes) varies, with disgorgement dates like January 2024 for #12 (tirage October 2022).
Tasting Profile:
#9 Tradition: Silky, juicy, with notes of ripe core and stone fruits, barberries, herbs, salt lemons, and ginger. It benefits from decanting to open up its flavors.
#11: Features a vinous nose, freshness, and depth, with a higher proportion of Pinot Noir giving a distinctive robe. Suitable for both casual and meditative settings.
#12 "Caché dans l’Évidence": Elegant and straight, with a classic yet vibrant profile, less oxidative than Dufour’s Bistrøtage cuvées. A blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 10% Pinot Blanc, with a dosage of 2 g/l.
Philosophy: Dufour’s approach is rooted in natural wine principles, aiming for elegance and balance rather than overly oxidative or eccentric profiles. Each edition varies slightly, offering a fresh experience while maintaining a signature style.
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Bubbleshop by Sandia Chang (UK): This London-based shop specializes in top-tier grower Champagnes, and consistently carries Charles Dufour / Bulles de Comptoir, often featuring the latest releases. They ship within the UK.
Marée Haute Vins Naturels (France): A prominent French online retailer dedicated to natural wines, including Champagne. They often have Bulles de Comptoir in stock (e.g., #13 Magnum). They ship within France and to many other EU countries.
Terroirizer Wine (USA): An online retailer focusing on natural wines, they frequently list Charles Dufour's Bulles de Comptoir cuvées. They ship across the USA (check state restrictions).
https://terroirizer.wine/products/charles-dufour-bulles-de-comptoir-10 (Example link, check for current stock)
Artisan Wine Shop (USA): This US retailer specifically mentions "Charles Dufour 'Bulles de Comptoir' Champagne AOC Extra Brut NV" and their certified organic, low-intervention practices. They ship within the US.
Vanderbilt Ave Wine Merchants (USA - New York): A New York-based shop that carries Bulles de Comptoir, highlighting their organic farming and no-sulfur addition. They ship to many US states.
Nicks Wine Merchants (Australia): An Australian retailer that has carried Charles Dufour Bulles de Comptoir, noting his small production and adventurous approach.
Troppo Giovane Wines (Netherlands - Ships to NL, BE, DE, FR, AT, ES, IT, DK, FI, SE): This natural wine importer and retailer in Amsterdam lists Charles Dufour as a producer they carry. Excellent for EU customers.
Cave Pur Jus (France - Ships to Europe): Specializes in natural, organic, and biodynamic wines, often featuring highly sought-after Champagne growers. It's worth searching their site for Charles Dufour.
https://www.cavepurjus.com/en/ (Search for "Charles Dufour")