Delouvin Nowack Champagne Fauve

Delouvin Nowack 'Fauve' Champagne (Brut Nature)The "Chalky Meunier" Specialist – A Modern Terroir Icon

The Vibe If you’re drinking Fauve, you’ve found one of the most exciting grower Champagnes coming out of the Vallée de la Marne. While this region is traditionally "Meunier country," Geoffrey Delouvin (a 10th-generation winemaker) uses his village of Vandières to prove that Meunier can be just as mineral and structured as Chardonnay. "Fauve" (meaning "fawn" or "tawny/wild") refers to the wine's raw, untamed nature. It is a Brut Nature (Zero Dosage), meaning it’s bone-dry, laser-sharp, and completely unmasked by added sugar.

The NoseThis is a high-contrast aromatic experience. It combines the "generosity" of the Marne with "chalky" precision. You’ll find bright citrus (yuzu and grapefruit) and crisp green apple, but because the Meunier usually skips malolactic fermentation, there’s a distinct floral and herbaceous lift. Thanks to a massive 72 months (6 years) on the lees, you’ll also get rich autolytic notes of freshly baked brioche, toasted almonds, and a touch of warm butter.

The TasteOn the palate, Fauve is electric and vertical. The attack is sharp and pure, driven by a "racy" acidity. The Meunier grapes here grow on rare chalk outcroppings, giving the wine a distinctly saline, flinty, and mineral finish that is unusual for this variety. It has a beautiful "airiness" to its bubbles, finishing with a lingering note of citrus zest and white pear.

Product Specs (Based on Recent 2017/2018 Releases)FeatureRealityOriginVandières, Vallée de la Marne (Old vines on white marl/chalk)Blend75% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot MeunierVinificationNo Malolactic Fermentation (to preserve "nerve" and tension)Aging72 Months minimum on the lees (extraordinarily long)Dosage0 g/l (Brut Nature / Pas Dosé)ProductionVery limited (~4,000 to 5,600 numbered bottles per batch)Critical Score4.2/5 (Vivino), High praise from "Grower Champagne" specialists

Best Paired With:The "Raw" Bar: Scallop tartare with lime, fresh oysters, or sea bass carpaccio.The "Salty" Snack: Marcona almonds, high-quality potato chips, or vegetable sushi with black sesame.The Main: Grilled white fish or an artichoke brandade.Pro Tip: Because this wine has zero dosage and high acidity, it can feel quite "strict" if served too cold. Let it sit in the glass for a few minutes and serve it at 10–12°C. It is currently in its prime (2025–2026 releases are tasting phenomenal) but will comfortably hold in a cellar for another 3–5 years.