Chartogne-Taillet Heurtebise Extra Brut Champagne

This is Chardonnay in its most crystalline, tension-driven form. Heurtebise delivers a Champagne of precision and energy, where bright citrus, white blossom and subtle brioche are carried by laser-like acidity and a long, mineral finish. There’s an unmistakable sense of freshness here — a wine that hums rather than shouts — driven by wind-cooled vineyards and low dosage that allows the site to speak clearly. Linear, poised and quietly powerful, this is a Blanc de Blancs built for lovers of purity and finesse.

This wine shines alongside dishes that echo its precision and freshness. Think oysters, sashimi, ceviche or delicate shellfish. It’s equally compelling with fresh goat’s cheese, lemon-dressed salads, or simple roast chicken with herbs. For something special, try it with scallops, turbot or a lightly buttered seafood pasta — allowing the wine’s tension and minerality to elevate every bite.

Sourced from the Heurtebise parcel in Merfy, this Blanc de Blancs is made exclusively from Chardonnay vines planted between 1972 and 2010. The site faces due south but is constantly cooled by strong winds, preserving natural acidity. Thanetian sands mixed with clay over sandstone create a challenging, highly variable terroir that delivers tension and mineral drive. Fermentation takes place with native yeasts in oak barrels and demi-muids, with malolactic fermentation allowed to proceed naturally. Disgorged with just 4g/L dosage, this is a precise, site-driven expression with remarkable energy and length.

Chartogne-Taillet sits firmly among Champagne’s most exciting, terroir-obsessed producers. Under the meticulous eye of Alexandre Chartogne — mentored by Anselme Selosse — the house has become known for wines that prioritise place over polish. Alexandre vinifies each parcel separately across 11 hectares in Merfy and surrounding villages, farming with deep respect for the land. Horse ploughing, organic principles, wild fermentations and restrained cellar intervention all serve one purpose: to translate vineyard character into the glass with honesty and clarity.