Le Bout du Clos

Le Bout du Clos comes from a vineyard in Ambonnay, a grand cru village known for powerful pinot noir. The plot is planted with 80 per cent pinot noir and 20 per cent chardonnay. As part of the Lieux-dits collection from Jacques Selosse, the cuvée shows a terroir, not a year. At just 2,000 bottles, it is among the rarest wines of the house and is bottled as an extra brut with low dosage.

In the glass the champagne is vinous and complex. On the palate, length and intensity impress, along with a surprising freshness that gives the richness tension. Serve it at 11 to 12 degrees in a large white wine glass. It works as an aperitif, but even better at the table: with pigeon, veal, pan-fried fish with butter or mushrooms.