Etienne Fort Monsieur S Blanquette de Limoux NV

Etienne Fort Monsieur S Blanquette de Limoux is a zero-dosage sparkling wine made entirely from Mauzac grown on the highest limestone sites in the appellation.

Blanquette de Limoux has a fair claim to being the first officially recognised sparkling wine in France, its origins traced to the abbey of Saint-Hilaire well before Champagne developed its own method. The appellation requires a majority of Mauzac, the local variety, and this bottling is made from it alone. Etienne Fort draws on forty-year-old vines planted between 400 and 500 metres on limestone, among the highest sites in Limoux. The must ferments with wild yeasts in stainless steel, and after the second fermentation in bottle the wine spends twelve months on lees. It is bottled undosed, in the manner of a small grower Champagne, so nothing is added to soften the finish. Mauzac's spiced apple and pear character comes through clearly, with a salty lemon edge and a note of sourdough from the lees.

Ready now, it suits oysters, fried chicken or a plate of jamón. Serve at 8°C.