Jacques Lassaigne Coteaux Champenois Rouge Chéres Vignes 2022

Chéres Vignes is a still red Pinot Noir from AOC Coteaux Champenois, made by Jacques Lassaigne from his vines on Montgueux, a hill rising to 270 metres on the edge of Champagne whose pure, very chalky soils set it apart, farmed organically, biodynamically and as a natural wine. Still red from Champagne is rare and lean by nature: the cool, marginal climate that suits sparkling wine ripens Pinot Noir only just enough for a still red, so the wine stays light, high in acidity and low in alcohol at 12.5 per cent, while the deep chalk gives it a saline, mineral tension. Barrel ageing softens the slim tannins and adds a savoury, spiced edge without heavy oak. The colour is pale, bright ruby. The nose is red cherry, raspberry and redcurrant over rose, dried herbs and a chalky, earthy note. The palate is light bodied and taut, with fine tannins, bright acidity and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 14 to 15 degrees, lightly chilled, in a wide glass, with roast poultry or charcuterie.