Since it was climbed in 2012, the same year as this cuvee was bottled, we named this second release after the Col de la Croix de Fer (altitude 2067 m) for its fearsome reputation even among Hors Catégorie passes. Best wines were selected for the blend, mainly from Trépail, Villers-Marmery, Montgueux, Vitryat , Riceys and Montagne Ouest , with 15 % from 2011 and 85 % of reserve wine from 2010, aged for almost a year in oak barrique.

Its fine bubbles delicately diffuse the aromatic whirlwind of the Hors Catégorie spirit where scents of cocoa bean blend harmoniously with light spices and toasted notes. Allowed time to breath the influence of the master cooper develops in the glass, expressed in layers reminiscent of the world’s finest vanilla pods. This cuvée promises to be a sensorial "Hors Catégorie" experience unlike any other. This cuvée is a unique, limited edition blend. A selection of the very finest vintages from our most reputed crus that have been oak-aged to enhance and respect the character of each varietal resulting in a wine with a gentle texture and delicate effervescence. The extra-brut dosage ensures perfect balance in the expression of its maturity.

Because this winemaking frame brings us new surprises and pioneering oenological challenges, we have named this series HORS CATEGORIE in honour of the top classification of the legendarily tough mountain passes.

At 1,993 metres above sea level the Col de la Madeleine was the highest point climbed in 2013 by the world’s most famous cycling race. 2013 was also the year that we bottled the third cuvée of our limitededition series which we named C.M 1993 in honour of such an awe inspiring Hors Catégorie pass.

A rare cuvée of which only 3,500 bottles were produced, and a selection of several remarkable vintages each chosen from amongst the best villages: With a maturation "Hors Catégorie" this is truly a unique cuvée: The Cuvée Hors Catégorie is an expression of the mastery of Champagne Castelnau, a mastery that places this cuvee firmly in the top echelons of the great champagnes. It reflects the spirit of the House in choosing to work with the very best aged wines in a way which is original and personal. Each edition of Hors Categorie is a unique assemblage, a limited edition that doesn’t seek to follow any  predetermined recipe but just to find harmony from its component parts. 
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