Brut Nature Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Grand Cru

Le Mesnil-sur-Oger is regarded as one of the most austere sites of the Côte des Blancs, and this Brut Nature from Lombard's Terroir range shows why. The pure Chardonnay grows on chalk and flint and was aged for four to five years in the cellar. There is no dosage, so that the mineral, salty side of the soil takes centre stage.

On the nose, freshness and minerality meet almonds, pear and Granny Smith. On the palate it is lively and very pure, with lime aromatics carried by salt and chalk. Serve it at 8 to 10 °C in a white wine glass with a slender tulip shape. It works as an aperitif and goes very well with oysters or fish. For anyone new to single-vineyard champagne, it is also a clear point of reference.