The definitive house-style, composed from 30 still base wines drawn from at least three vintages, and the three varieties of Champagne blended in equal proportion:Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Pinot Noir contributes body, depth of character and life-extending tannins and comes from the villages of the Montagne de Reims – Verzy, Verzenay, Mailly, Ambonnay, Mardeuil and Louvois; Chardonnay provides the lightness, elegance and finesse and is drawn from Epernay and the villages of the Côte des Blancs – Cuis, Oiry, Oger, Vertus, Moussy and Chouilly; Pinot Meunier supplies youthful freshness, vigour and plump character with the grapes coming from the Vallée d’Epernay – Vincelles,Venteuil, Troissy, Damery, Vandières, Brugny, Chavot, Monthelon and Pierry. On the nose, the champagne is dominated by white flowers, green apple, brioche and a trace of minerality. On the palate there are notes of stone fruits, a certain nuttiness and a hint of honey supporting the freshness of the acidity. UK stock receives an additional 6 months post-disgorgement ageing so it is ready to drink upon release but cellaring for a few years will reveal greater depths. The apéritif champagne parexcellence but one which has sufficient backbone to be drunk with fish and even spicy dishes.