A good all year round wine, this would complement rather than overpower when partnered with food. It could be a great accompaniment to scones with clotted cream and would be particularly enjoyable as a aperitif on a gloomy wet evening - instantly lifting the spirits!

The Pinot Meunier grape makes up 60% of the blend of this fine Champagne, with the remainder coming from 30% of Pinot Noir and just 10% of Chardonnay grapes. As you would imagine, this gives a heavy focus in favour of the red grapes. With a straw yellow colour and a fine stream of gently foaming bubbles (almost giggling!), our first impressions were of baked apples and vanilla. The taste is sophisticated, still with apple and vanilla present, but with more fruits from the orchard and hints of jam and nuts starting to show themselves. Everything is incredibly well balanced, with a perfect touch of sweetness and no acidity whatsoever.