N/V Le Mont Benoit Premier Cru Extra Brut, Emmanuel Brochet (2016 Base Vintage)
This is a tiny 2.5 hectare estate joust south-west of Reims. Emmanuel's first bottling was in 2002, and since then he has built up an enthusiastic following. Certified organic, the grapes are always picked with at least 10% potential alcohol as Emmanuel never chaptalizes, believing the process to dampen the aromatics of the wines. In 2000 he invested in a small vertical basket press, about half the size of a normal one. He vinifies the various plots that go into this wine seperately, and carefully decides what makes it into the final blend. This release has 2016 at the heart of the blend. Hard to find, thanks to the tiny production, but well worth it when you do.