Champagne Lanson Le Black Réserve Brut

Champagne Lanson are a historic Reims house, and Le Black Reserve is their signature non-vintage brut, a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Lanson are unusual in blocking malolactic conversion, keeping the sharper malic acid in the wine, which gives a taut, high-acid style with a strong emphasis on freshness. It is made by the traditional method, with the second fermentation in bottle and a rest on the lees that adds a light biscuity depth, and it is finished at brut dosage.

The colour is a pale gold with a fine, energetic bead. The nose is bright and citrus-driven, showing green apple, pear and lemon with a light toasted-bread and biscuit note. The palate is dry, crisp and taut, the fresh fruit carried by a firm acidity and a clean, citrus-peel finish. Serve at around eight to ten degrees in a white-wine glass or tulip. It makes a bracing aperitif and pairs with oysters, shellfish and white fish.