Minéral 2007 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru

Cuvée Minéral shows what Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs can do when it is bottled without any sugar make-up. For the 2007 vintage, the vines, around 40 years old, come from Avize and Cramant, both grand cru sites on chalk soils. Half of the wine is aged in oak barrels. It then spends about five years on the lees and is riddled by hand. The inner label gives the tirage and disgorgement dates.

This extra brut relies on tension, chalk and salinity rather than opulence. Mature years add further depth to the wine. Serve it at 9 to 11 °C in a white wine glass that gives the aromas room. It goes well with raw or cooked fish, oysters, scallops and white poultry in a cream sauce. It also holds its own at the table without food, if you sip it slowly.