Dhondt-Grellet 'Les Cotes au Vent' Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru Extra Brut, Champagne, France 2021

A fascinating and highly distinctive single-vineyard Champagne from Adrien Dhondt-Grellet. Les Côtes au Vent comes from old-vine Pinot Meunier planted in 1954 in the Premier Cru village of Cuis, on the northern slopes of the Côte des Blancs. In a region dominated by Chardonnay, this rare Blanc de Noirs showcases the incredible versatility of Meunier. Expect expressive aromas of orchard fruit, citrus peel, red berries and subtle toasted notes, followed by a beautifully textured palate with vibrant acidity, chalky minerality and a long, saline finish. Vinified in oak barrels with minimal intervention, this is an unusually precise and sophisticated expression of Pinot Meunier. A small-production Champagne for serious collectors and adventurous Champagne lovers.