Champagne Vouette et Sorbée Fidèle Blanc de Noirs NV Base 21. Disg. Oct. 24

Champagne Vouette et Sorbée Fidèle is a zero-dosage Blanc de Noirs grown on Kimmeridgian limestone in the Côte des Bar, the same geology as Chablis.

The Côte des Bar lies in the Aube, closer to Chablis than to Reims, and its Kimmeridgian marl is planted overwhelmingly to Pinot Noir. Bertrand Gautherot farms at Buxières-sur-Arce, and Fidèle is his benchmark cuvée, made entirely from Pinot Noir. The Fonnet vineyard, set in a small enclosed valley, forms the heart of the blend, with Sorbée providing much of the balance and Châtel — a rocky, limestone-rich site with vines over 20 years old — topping it off. Average vine age is around 30 years, and roughly 5 per cent of the blend comes from a perpetual reserve begun in 2001 and held in two large old foudres. The fruit is pressed in a traditional vertical Coquard press and ferments without added yeast or chaptalisation in used Burgundy barrels from Domaine Arnaud Ente in Meursault, where it stays 10 months. After the second fermentation the wine rests 15 to 20 months on lees and is disgorged with no dosage.

Ready to drink and capable of five years or more. Serve at about 8°C with oysters, roast pork or a mature comté.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.