Chemin de Reims Extra-Brut

The Chemin de Reims from Chartogne-Taillet is a blanc de blancs, mainly Chardonnay. The vines grow on warm, red sandy soil, and face south-south-west. That produces full-bodied, powerful wines rich in tannin. With 4 to 5 g/l of dosage it is an extra brut, which balances the mousse without smoothing the wine or taking away its density.

This wine needs time. It ages for a long while in barrel because its fermentation drags on, and only goes into bottle after up to two years. Several more years in the cellar follow. That makes it dense and marked by terroir, not a light aperitif champagne. Serve it at 10 to 12 °C in a large white wine glass, with seafood, poultry or mature hard cheese, for example. A distinctive blanc de blancs for anyone who wants character.