Clément Bertrand, Narcevignes Extra Brut

Wine Type: Sparkling Wine

Grape(s): Pinot Meunier

Country: France

Region: Champagne

Organic: No

Vegan: No

ABV: 12.5%

Winemaker: Clément Bertrand

Winery: Clément Bertrand is a young vigneron, polite, approachable, and quietly focused. There is nothing loud in the way he works or in the wines he makes. Everything is measured, composed, and thoughtful. A peaceful, clean spirit runs through his Champagnes. He's based in Prouilly, which lies 15 kilometers (nine miles) west of Reims. He says his primary focus is to honour and preserve the environment, ensuring a harmonious balance in the vineyard. Certified with High Environmental Value (HVE) and Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne (VDC), the preservation of his natural surroundings is paramount to his estate.

Winemaking: This 100% Pinot Meunier (Cuvée Narcevignes) is precise and vertical, full of energy but never excessive. It's a single-plot cuvée from the “Narcevignes” vineyard. This plot has 45-year-old vine plants. Facing due south, it produces grapes of exceptional ripeness. 40% of the grapes are fermented in oak barrels and it spends four months on the lees. This champagne is extra brut - and has no added sugar. It's also unfiltered and spends 36 months in bottle before release.

Tasting Notes: This champagne has notes of yellow fruit, citrus, fresh almonds, sweet spices and a chalky minerality.