Champagne Andre Beaufort Ambonnay Reserve Grand Cru Brut

Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant. Founded in 1969, the Maison de Champagne Andre Beaufort owns approximately seven hectares of vineyards divided between Polisy and Ambonnay, all strictly Grand Cru and cultivated organically and biodynamically. The winery has had an artisanal approach both in the vineyard and in the cellar, with the use of indigenous yeasts and minimization of chemicals, since the 70s, and is considered one of the most iconic Champagne houses. The Champagne Ambonnay Reserve Grand Cru Brut is a predominantly Pinot Noir blend with small additions of Chardonnay. The harvest is manual and fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in steel containers. After the second fermentation and a period of 24 months on the lees, the wine is disgorged à la volée (flying disgorging), as for the winery's custom. The wine shows a golden color with a fine and persistent perlage. The aromatic profile is broad and elegant with notes of hazelnuts, candied orange peel and honey, dried apricot, and white pepper. On the palate, it is rich, well-structured, and soft. It has a well-balanced acidity and a marked mineral streak. The finish is long, elegant, and persistent, and recalls fruity notes. It is perfect with oysters, caviar, and smoked tuna carpaccio.

Price: £65.89 from 8wines UK