Pierre Gerbais Grains de Celles Extra Brut, Champagne, France

This ‘Grains de Celles’ cuvée is a blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Blanc and 25% Chardonnay from a selection of the estate’s greatest sites which are mostly planted in the same Kimmeridgian soils of marl and limestone that one finds in Chablis and Sancerre. It was aged in bottle for 3 years before disgorgement with 3 grams per liter dosage, making it an Extra Brut. It is a lovely, delicious wine with a nice creamy texture and a great expression of all three grape varietals. The 'Pinot' character from the Noir and Blanc come through primarily on the nose with aromas of red & yellow apple and pear while the crispness of the Chardonnay shows on the very fresh finish with excellent balancing acidity. It is medium to full-bodied, very well-balanced, and rather friendly for an Extra Brut, as many with such a low dosage can come off a bit austere. That is not the case here - as it is an easy-drinking, versatile Champagne.