Baron-Fuenté Rebelle Champagne 2018

Champagne Baron-Fuente makes Rebelle as a vintage cuvee from the 2018 harvest around Charly-sur-Marne in the Vallee de la Marne. It is a 50 per cent Chardonnay and 50 per cent Pinot Meunier blend, made by the traditional method and bottled with no dosage added, which places it in the Brut Nature category. That zero-dosage approach leaves the fruit and terroir in their most direct form, so the wine reads as crisp, precise and taut rather than rounded, drawn from a single strong vintage.

The wine shows pale gold with a fine, lively bead. The nose gives fresh citrus, white flowers and a mineral hint, marked by clear precision. The palate is crisp, dry and expressive, with delicate fruit, lively freshness and a saline edge, closing straight, mineral and long. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees in a white wine glass. It makes a sharp aperitif and suits oysters, seafood, sashimi and ceviche, as well as mature hard cheeses and pared-back dishes where its precision can lead.