Brut Réserve

The Brut Réserve from Castelnau combines 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Meunier and 20% Pinot Noir. A 17% share of reserve wine brings maturity and extra complexity to the blend. You can see it in the glass: the aromatic variety is remarkable for a non-vintage brut, and you could say the depth of a vintage champagne sits here in a classic cuvée.

As an aperitif it comes across as very clear and pure. But it has enough substance for the table, for instance with prawn tempura, sole or sweetbreads meunière. Serve it at 8 to 10 °C in a tulip glass or a wide white wine glass. That way both the fine mousse and the notes of age show to good effect.