De Sousa
De Sousa works the chalky soils of Avize, a Grand Cru village on Champagne's Côte des Blancs. The house focuses on Chardonnay-driven cuvées that express the mineral precision of this limestone-rich terroir. The Cuvée des Caudalies Extra Brut Millesimé and Cuvée des Caudalies Le Mesnil Extra Brut, both pure Chardonnay expressions, demonstrate the house's commitment to varietal purity and dry, food-friendly profiles. A Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut rounds the portfolio, blending Chardonnay with Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir for added complexity. These wines have been assessed by Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Advocate, and Decanter. The house's emphasis on Extra Brut dosage levels—minimal residual sugar—allows the chalky minerality and acidity of Avize to dominate, creating champagnes built for the table rather than the aperitif.
Critics
Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Advocate, Decanter