Pierre Gerbais Champagne Cuvee Reserve 75cl

From their base in the Cote des Bars, the most southern vineyards of the appellation, the Pierre Gerbais team produce elegant, organic Champagnes that truly reflect the microclimate and terroirs of the Ource Valley. The Reserve is based on a single vintage, a blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Blanc from a vineyard on Kimmeridgean marls. The average age of the vines is 30 years old, fruit is hand harvested and the varieties are vinified separately. The estate was founded in 1930 and is situated at Celles-sur-Ource in the Cote-des-Bar - the southernmost tip of Champagne. There are 18 hectares of vines in total and today the farm is run by 4^th generation winemaker, Aurelien Gerbais. The estate converted to organic cultivation in 1996 and everything is done by hand. Aurelien and his father Pascal are pioneers in the use of Pinot Blanc in their house blends and the family is fiercely protective of its 4 hectares of this particular grape. A pale straw-yellow in colour with a lively and steady mousse. Aromas of green apples, ripe pears and buttered bread. Weighty and pure on the palate with further green fruit notes and a generous minerality, the finish is lingering and refreshing.