Champagne Autreau Premier Cru Brut NV - 75cl
Autréau is a grower house in Champillon, family-run since 1670 and now farming 33.5 hectares across the Premier and Grand Cru villages of the southern Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne. As a propriétaire-récoltant they grow and make their own Champagne rather than buying in fruit, and they sell only through independent merchants, restaurants and hotels - never supermarkets. That is part of how the quality holds at this price.
This Brut draws on Premier Cru vineyards at Champillon, Dizy and Hautvillers, in the classic Champagne balance of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay in equal-ish measure - the two Pinots for body and ripe fruit, the Chardonnay for freshness and lift. Hand-picked, vinified in stainless steel and aged on its lees for three years before release, with a light dosage that keeps it fresh rather than sweet.
Expect ripe stone fruit and baked apple, a note of toasted hazelnut from the lees ageing, and a soft, rounded mouthfeel that stays bright through the finish. A generous, easy-drinking style of Champagne made to open and enjoy. Serve well chilled, 8-10°C.