Emilien Feneuil Coteaux Chamery Rouge 2018

Emilien Feneuil Coteaux Chamery Rouge is a still red from the Coteaux Champenois appellation, made from Pinot Noir grown on four family plots in the Montagne de Reims. Champagne is a marginal, cool northern region, and ripening Pinot Noir to a still red here depends on well-sited slopes and the chalk-based soils that warm and drain the vineyard while lending the wine a fine, mineral edge. Feneuil farms biodynamically and works on a small scale. As a still wine the Pinot Noir is fermented dry and held, in this case 20 months in bottle before release, which settles the structure and lets the aromatics develop. The cool climate keeps alcohol moderate at 12.5 per cent and acidity high, giving a light, perfumed style. The colour is a bright, clear crimson. The nose is complex for its weight, showing red berries, cherry, a floral, rose-like lift and a touch of white peach over a savoury, earthy base. The palate is light and fresh, with fine tannins, bright acidity and a clean, mineral finish. Serve cool, around 14 to 15C. It suits charcuterie, roast poultry, salmon and mushroom dishes.