CAILLEZ LEMAIRE 'Pur Meunier' 2016

Caillez Lemaire 'Pur Meunier' Brut Nature 2016 is a profoundly deep, single-vintage tour de force that highlights the absolute peak of what unblended Pinot Meunier can achieve. Taking the concept of local craftsmanship to the absolute limit, it is fermented and aged entirely in 300-liter oak barrels crafted from wood harvested directly from the Damery village forest. It spends five years resting on its lees in the chalk cellars and is bottled as a bone-dry, completely naked Brut Nature with zero added sugar.

Why we love it: It carries an unbelievable aromatic power that bridges the gap between fresh fruit and complex, earthy maturity. The nose is incredibly open and seductive, bursting with blackcurrant, blue plum, and candied cherry before revealing warm, autumnal notes of freshly baked baguettes, light wood smoke, and balsamic undertones.

The vibe: A slow-paced, afternoon cooking day. You're putting in a veal roast and making the mashed potatoes and carrots to accompany it for dinner.