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 assemblage. You can taste it in the glass: the aromatic range is remarkable for a non-vintage brut, and you could say it has the depth of a vintage champagne 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 shows off both the fine perlage and the notes of maturity.