Style: Rocks & Minerals

The village of Merfy, northwest of Reims, is distinctive for its sand and clay soils, and while it has been renowned for its wines since the Middle Ages, it has been largely ignored of late. Chartogne is the sole contemporary champion of this forgotten terroir, and his viticulture aims to express these soils with clarity and precision. He uses organic treatments, promotes biodiversity through cover crops, and encourages deep-root systems through regular ploughing, often by horse rather than by tractor. In the cellar, each parcel is vinified separately with indigenous yeasts, in either oak barrels, stainless steel tanks or concrete eggs, depending on the individual wine. The Chartogne Taillet NV brut, called Sainte Anne, serves as a fine introduction to both the estate and the village, while his series of single vineyard Champagnes from sites such as Les Barres, Orizeaux and Heurtebise explore the Merfy terroirs in greater detail. DECANTER

The NV Brut Le Rosé is another attractive Champagne from Alexandre Chartogne. Creamy and supple, the Rosé offers good up-front appeal, if not quite the persistence or energy of the very best wines in the range. I would prefer to drink it over the next few years. Dosage is 7 grams per litre. Disgorged: April 2018. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous Media

Region: Champagne, FRANCE

Variety: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

ABV: 12%

Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years. Lic No. LIQP770016424

*We endeavor to ensure the correct vintage is displayed, however some variations may occur in store and for delivered bottles.