Pinot Noir Exploration

Bottles individually purchased: £404

Pinot Noir is the most widely planted grape variety in the whole of Champagne. It can be found in both the farthest northern reaches, 30 miles North of Reims, as well as the southern area bordering Chablis, known as the Aube. The main area for production though, is in the very heart of Champagne, the Montagne de Reims, home to legendary Grand Cru villages such as Bouzy, Verzy and Verzenay. 

In this case, we travel across the region in order to capture the wonderful rich and opulent styles this noble grape is renowned for and showcase what it’s capable of with a selection of non-vintage, vintage and limited edition cuvées.

Rousseaux Batteux Verzenay 'Les Chauffours'

Starting in the north, we visit the esteemed Grand Cru village of Verzenay for a wonderful single-vineyard wine from Adrien Rousseaux, which comes from old vines planted out in the 1970s. Beautifully elegant and balanced, it's an example of why Pinot Noir from the Grand Montagne de Reims is so revered.

Carré Frères Les Maladries

Just one village south is another incredible Grand Cru village. This time it's Verzy and it's a single vineyard wine from an exciting new producer. The colour is a deep gold which sets you up for a gorgeous nose full of sweet, honeyed toast with a touch of concentrated fig and brambles. The sweet oak follows on the palate, alongside blueberries and honey.

Herbert & Co. 1000% Pinot Noir

If you double take at the name of this wine, you wouldn't be the first! Proudly proclaiming to be 1000%, this may not be technically accurate but it goes someway to convey the intent of the winemaker. Oak vinified and aged on cork it's a big, powerful and intense example of Pinot Noir.

Paul Clouet Bouzy 2015

No Pinot Noir collection would be complete without a visit to Bouzy in the Grand Montagne de Reims. This cuvée is surprisingly soft on the front end but then the vinosity builds as expected. There is a lovely rich texture alongside the red fruits, followed by a crisp finish.

William Saintot Blanc de Noirs

Our penultimate wine comes from the Marne Valley. It's among the most popular and best value bottles in our collection, with a great balance of dark fruit and finesse.

Remi Leroy Blanc de Noirs

We couldn't compile a set of Pinot Noir without something from the Aube and this is a beauty – rich and fruity with great texture and structure.

Please note: Occasionally, due to stock availability, we may need to substitute bottles. In this situation, the replacement cuvées will be in the same style, and of the same or greater value.