2019 Chartogne Taillet Cuvée Les Barres (Disg. Feb 2024)

Born from a rare patch of ungrafted Pinot Meunier vines planted in 1952, this Champagne comes from the hands of Alexandre Chartogne, a winemaker whose passion for terroir runs as deep as the roots in his vineyards. Mentored by the legendary Anselme Selosse, Alexandre brings a meticulous touch to his craft, coaxing the soul of the land into every bottle. Across 11 hectares in Merfy, Chenay, and Saint-Thierry, he vinifies each plot separately, letting the nuances of place shine through. Horses plow over half the vineyards, and no pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilisers ever touch the soil—a pure, honest approach that’s as refreshing as the wine itself.

Les Barres is a standout, and for good reason. This small plot, spared from phylloxera by a protective layer of sand over Campanian chalk, yields grapes of remarkable intensity. Fermented in seasoned 228-liter oak barrels, it rests four years on lees with a delicate three grams per litre dosage, preserving the voice of the fruit. The result is captivating—elegantly textured, with a briny whisper of sandy soils and a graceful tension that pulls you in. It unfolds gently on the palate, revealing layers of flavour that linger in perfect harmony.