Extra-Brut Prestige 1er Cru Half Bottle

The half bottle of the Extra-Brut Prestige is a handy way to get to know the taut profile of Duval-Leroy. The champagne comes from premier cru sites and combines 65 per cent Chardonnay with 35 per cent Pinot Noir. The dosage is below 5 grams per litre, so the wine shows hardly any sugar and relies entirely on clarity and tension. The house in Vertus has been one of the independent family estates of Champagne for many years, and this cuvée carries the signature of Carol Duval-Leroy.

In the glass the very fine bubbles stand out. The nose recalls white blossom, honeysuckle and lemon, and on the palate the champagne is straightforward, structured and distinctly characterful. It goes with raw oysters, poached fish or fresh goat's cheese. Serve it at 8 to 10 degrees in a tulip glass, which focuses the delicate fruit. A half bottle is enough for two glasses as an aperitif.