With great complexity and finesse, this has an energising, citrusy palate and delivers an equal measure of ripe, toasty fruit followed by a tasty, elegant finish.

The house of Lallier specialises in producing champagnes by sourcing exclusively from vineyards officially classified Grand Cru and Premier Cru. This is 100% Grand Cru, the Pinot Noir is sourced from the Grand Cru Ay and the Chardonnay from the Grand Crus of Avize and Cramant in the Cote de Blancs. The provenance of the grapes enables a low dosage to express the purity and the richness of these terroirs. Using approximately 2/3 Pinot Noir and 1/3 Chardonnay wine and a 9g/L dosage, the bottles are matured on their lees in chalk cellars for 24-36 months.

Founded in Ay in 1906 Champagne Lallier has significant holdings of Grand Cru vineyards and a high tech cellar, yet is wholly owned by winemaker Francis Tribaut. Free to craft wine in the spirit of an artisan domaine, Francis vinifies each parcel separately using a house yeast and keeps dosage low to create Champagnes with real character and finesse.