Champagne Jean Paul Deville Quinte Essences Extra Brut Blanc 75cl

Extra brut means very little sugar is added at disgorgement, which leaves nothing for the wine to hide behind: it only works when the fruit is ripe and the base wine is good. Jean-Paul Deville are growers at Verzenay, a grand cru village on the Montagne de Reims whose north-facing chalk slopes give firm, mineral Pinot Noir. Quinte Essences is their long-aged cuvée. Taut and vinous: citrus peel, white orchard fruit, toasted almond and a saline chalk finish. Serve at 10C with food rather than as an aperitif.