Cuvée Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Essentiel

The Essentiel Blanc de Blancs from Piper-Heidsieck is 100 per cent Chardonnay. With a dosage of just 4 g/l, it is one of the taut, crisp champagnes, yet 35 per cent reserve wines still give it depth. The grapes come from the sites that define the house, and long ageing has brought fruit, structure and finesse together.

The nose shows almonds, yellow peach and cherry plum, with a delicate hint of cumin. On the palate come citrus fruit and almond paste, and at the end a touch of hawthorn blossom flashes through. The finish stays in the memory with a slightly peppery spice. Serve it at 8 to 10 °C in a slim, tulip-shaped white wine glass. It goes with oysters, scallops and pan-fried fish, but also with a carefully cooked dish that needs its freshness.