Blanc de Blancs

Delamotte makes this blanc de blancs from pure Chardonnay, and only from grands crus of the Côte des Blancs. The house is in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, in the middle of this chalk landscape, and you can taste it in the glass: the style is clear, mineral and finely drawn. Reserve wines make up no more than 10 per cent and the dosage is low, so the fruit stays unmasked. Four to five years in the cellar give the wine finesse and a round, mineral texture.

Serve it at 8 to 10 °C in a tulip-shaped glass or a slim white wine glass so the aroma and bubbles can unfold. It suits an aperitif among friends, oysters, and grilled fish or poultry. If you are patient, leave the bottle for another two to three years. Its elegance then comes through even more clearly.