The current Selosse is named Anselme. It was his father, Jacques, who founded the estate in Avize in 1949. Anselme took over in 1974. The vineyards are mainly located in the Côte des Blancs, but he also has a bit of Pinot Noir in Aÿ and in Ambonnay. His Champagnes are among the most prominent today.
They have a rare concentration and complexity. The harvest is late to get a higher sugar levels and yields are lower than for most champagnes. The cellar is full of oak barrels of various sizes. Here the wine spends a year before being bottled. During the long time the champagne then spends in bottle the lees adds fullness and character.
Initiale costs around 60 euros on the property. But it is usually sold out because there is an incredible demand for the around 50,000 bottles produced here. With its deep, rich flavour and full bodied character Initiale is more a high-class wine than a champagne. Or maybe a perfect combination of both.
