Fleur Noire 2009

The Fleur Noire 2009 is a blanc de noirs from Beaumont des Crayères, the house in Mardeuil near Épernay. It comes exclusively from the Coeur de Cuvée, the best part of the pressing, and is made of 70 per cent Pinot Noir and 30 per cent Pinot Meunier. In the glass it shows a fine, persistent mousse. The nose offers ripe fruit, figs and quince, accompanied by subtle toasted notes.

On the palate the wine stays fresh, the fruit recalling apricot jam and grapes. That gives it richness without making it heavy. It is a real asset at the table: with duck breast, the ripe fruit and toasty aromas work particularly well. Pour it at 10 to 12 degrees in a large white wine glass or tulip glass, so the bouquet can open up.