NV Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Fidele

One of the most distinctive and talked-about grower Champagnes available. Bertrand Gautherot farms 5 hectares of Kimmeridgian marls and Portlandian limestone in Buxières-sur-Arce in the Aube — closer to Chablis than to Reims — under Demeter-certified biodynamic viticulture. Native fermented, sulfur-free until bottling, zero dosage. Fidèle is the most commonly seen cuvée in the range — a 100% Pinot Noir of tremendous depth, hinting at a delightful touch of oxidation even when young, drawn from the Vouette and Biaunes vineyards. Firm and focused, it finds balance from a creamy mousse and well-knit flavors of macerated cherry, white peach, smoked almond, ground anise, and pickled ginger, with a hint of salinity lingering on the structured finish. Best served in a wide wine glass, not a flute.