Chartogne-Taillet Cuvée Sainte Anne Brut NV

The latest release, based on 2020, is a blend of Chardonnay (50%), Pinot Noir and Meunier (50%). It was raised predominantly in old oak barrels of various sizes, with a small proportion in stainless steel. The reserve wine component is 50% and the dosage is approximately 5 g/L.

This looks great and is a snapshot of everything we love in the grower Champagne movement. Producers such as Chartogne-Taillet and others (e.g our much loved Egly Ouriet) deliberately pick their fruit much later and riper than most of the big houses. They’re confident in their viticulture and are seeking genuine primary fruit flavour, intent on making a great wine first and foremost, which just happens to be sparkling. Ripeness here is on show nicely, with golden nectarine and fresh stone fruit character and lots of expanse in the mouth, held up by vibrant acids which draw the wine out very long. The finish is crunchy with a nice interplay of citrus notes, some meal and a nice bite of white chalk. Certainly a lot to like here and if this is the entry level wine then I greatly look forward to trying the wines up the scale, if the opportunity arises. – Ches Cook, FWC.