Terre de Vertus Undosed 1er Cru 2014

Terre de Vertus comes from a single terroir and a single year: pure Chardonnay from the Les Barillers and Faucherets sites, vintage 2014, bottled with no dosage. Larmandier-Bernier shows here what the chalk soils of Vertus in the Côte des Blancs can produce on their own. The nose combines white fruit with dried fruit and a spicy note. On the palate citrus, apple and pear mingle, carried by clear freshness and fine minerality. A salty edge stands out, followed by pepper on the finish.

It is best placed at the start of a meal: with oysters, smoked salmon or wafer-thin slices of Pata Negra. It is also an appealing choice with apple tart at the end of dinner. Serve it at 9 to 11 °C in a wide white wine glass so the spice can open up. You receive it here as a magnum, ideal for a larger gathering.