Les Barres 2015

Les Barres 2015 is a single-vintage blanc de noirs made exclusively from very old Pinot Noir vines. Chartogne-Taillet of Merfy ages it in barrel and dosages it with just 4 to 5 grams of sugar per litre. That keeps the mousse lively without masking the density of the wine. On the palate it feels rich and layered, gourmand in character, with a long, spicy trail in the finish.

Give this champagne time: open the bottle a little early and let it breathe in the glass. Served at 10 to 12 degrees, it opens up best in a large white wine glass or a wide tulip glass. A mature Parmesan is the classic partner, picking up the spice and depth of the wine. Mushroom dishes or light poultry with a robust sauce also go well with it.