Emmanuel Brochet works just a few hectares at Villers-aux-Nœuds on the western side of the Montagne de Reims. His domaine revolves around Le Mont Benoît, a vineyard where Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay grow over a complex mix of silt, clay and chalk.

Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts, with élevage largely in wood and an approach focused on allowing the vineyard rather than cellar technique to define the finished wine.

This is classic Brochet: intensely vinous Champagne with ripe orchard fruit, citrus peel, toasted hazelnut and subtle spice sitting over a firm mineral backbone. Broad and textured at first, then increasingly saline and precise through the finish. Production is tiny, and Le Mont Benoit remains one of the most sought-after grower Champagnes of the Montagne de Reims.

Pinot Noir, Meunier & Chardonnay.