Introduction: The Magic in a Bottle
Champagne has long been the symbol of celebration, sophistication, and timeless elegance. But behind every effervescent sip lies centuries of tradition, artistry, and craftsmanship. True Champagne comes only from the Champagne region in northeastern France, and within this protected appellation, a select number of producers uphold the méthode champenoise — the traditional method of making Champagne.
One of the finest examples of this dedication to quality is Gonet Sulcova, a family-owned Champagne house producing exquisite, expressive wines. Their Blanc de Blancs Champagne Brut is now proudly available through Wine Guy on Skye, bringing a taste of Champagne’s limestone soils to the windswept shores of the Isle of Skye.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through the Champagne-making process and shine a spotlight on Gonet Sulcova — a house that captures the soul of Champagne in every bottle.
1. The Terroir: Where It All Begins
The magic of Champagne starts in the vineyard. The region’s chalky subsoil, cool climate, and rolling hills create ideal growing conditions for three primary grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
Gonet Sulcova, based in the prestigious Côte des Blancs, specialises in Blanc de Blancs Champagne, made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. This subregion is renowned for producing wines of finesse, minerality, and longevity. The family’s deep understanding of their land — passed down through generations — allows them to produce wines that are both elegant and expressive of their origin.
2. The Harvest: Picking by Hand
In Champagne, grapes must be hand-harvested to preserve the integrity of the fruit. This meticulous process ensures that only the best grapes make it to the press. The harvest usually occurs in early autumn, when sugar and acidity levels are perfectly balanced.
Gonet Sulcova harvests with precision, often in the early morning to maintain grape freshness. Their commitment to quality is evident from the first touch of the grape to the final corking of the bottle.
3. The Pressing: Gentle Extraction
Once harvested, the grapes are swiftly transported to the press. The Champagne method requires gentle pressing to extract only the finest juice — the “cuvée”, which is the first and most delicate pressing.
Gonet Sulcova uses pneumatic presses, which allow for precise pressure control. For their Blanc de Blancs, only the purest juice is used to ensure a Champagne of exceptional clarity and brightness.
4. The First Fermentation: From Juice to Wine
The freshly pressed juice undergoes primary fermentation, typically in stainless steel tanks (and sometimes oak barrels, depending on the house style). Yeasts convert the sugars into alcohol, creating a still (non-sparkling) wine.
At this stage, the winemaker evaluates the base wines, often blending different vineyard plots or vintages to create a balanced, harmonious style. Gonet Sulcova, however, produces vintage Champagnes when the harvest is exceptional, allowing the uniqueness of that year to shine.
5. The Assemblage: The Art of Blending
Blending is a crucial part of Champagne-making. For non-vintage Champagnes, this step ensures consistency year after year by blending wines from different years and vineyards.
In the case of Gonet Sulcova’s Blanc de Blancs, the assemblage focuses solely on Chardonnay, which brings citrus notes, floral aromas, and refined minerality. Their style is known for its purity and precision — a result of both terroir and the skilled hands of their winemakers.
6. The Second Fermentation: Creating the Bubbles
To create Champagne’s signature sparkle, a mixture of sugar and yeast — known as the liqueur de tirage — is added to the blended base wine before it is bottled. The bottles are then sealed with a temporary cap and stored horizontally in cool cellars.
Over the next several weeks, a second fermentation takes place inside the bottle. As the yeast consumes the added sugar, it releases carbon dioxide, which dissolves into the wine and creates the bubbles Champagne is famous for.
At Gonet Sulcova, this process is given time — often much longer than the minimum requirement. Their Blanc de Blancs is aged on the lees (the dead yeast cells) for extended periods, resulting in greater complexity, creaminess, and finesse.
7. Riddling and Disgorgement: Clarifying the Wine
After aging, the bottles undergo riddling (or remuage) — a traditional process in which bottles are slowly rotated and tilted downward so the sediment settles in the neck.
Once the sediment has collected, the neck is frozen and the disgorgement process begins. The frozen plug of sediment is ejected, leaving behind a clear wine.
Gonet Sulcova handles this process with care, ensuring that nothing interferes with the purity of their wines.
8. Dosage: Finishing Touches
Before final corking, a small amount of wine and sugar, called the liqueur d’expédition, may be added. This determines the Champagne’s sweetness level.
Gonet Sulcova’s Brut style uses a very low dosage, allowing the wine’s natural vibrancy and minerality to shine without excessive sweetness. This makes their Champagne a fantastic partner for food — or equally enjoyable as an aperitif by the sea.
9. Corking, Labeling, and Resting
Finally, the bottles are sealed with cork and wire cage, labelled, and allowed to rest for a few months to recover from disgorgement. Then, they are ready to be enjoyed.
Tasting Gonet Sulcova Blanc de Blancs
Now available from Wine Guy on Skye, Gonet Sulcova Blanc de Blancs is a Champagne of finesse and poise. Expect notes of lemon zest, green apple, chalky minerality, and a touch of brioche from extended lees aging. The mousse is fine and persistent — a hallmark of high-quality Champagne.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, watching the sun set over Waternish, or simply treating yourself to a moment of luxury, this Champagne elevates the experience.
Why Buy from Wine Guy on Skye?
As an independent wine merchant and veteran-owned business, Wine Guy on Skye goes the extra mile — literally. Every wine has been handpicked through personal visits to vineyards. Relationships with winemakers like those at Gonet Sulcova ensure that only the most authentic, high-quality wines reach the shelves.
Shipping across the UK, Wine Guy on Skye offers a curated range of premium, artisanal wines — with a story in every bottle.
Conclusion: Tradition in Every Bubble
The process of making Champagne is long, meticulous, and full of tradition. From the hand-harvested grapes to the final pop of the cork, every stage is a testament to craftsmanship and patience. Gonet Sulcova embodies all of these qualities — and more — producing Champagnes that are as refined as they are memorable.
Now, thanks to Wine Guy on Skye, you can bring this taste of Champagne into your home. Raise a glass to the artistry behind the bubbles — and savour every sip.
🛒 Order your bottle of Gonet Sulcova Blanc de Blancs Champagne Brut now at www.wineguyonskye.com
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