Champagne Maxime Blin, Carte Blanche Extra Brut NV

The vineyards of the Massif de Saint-Thierry, west of Reims, are classic Meunier territory - and this Extra Brut leans into that style with confidence. It's 80 percent Pinot Meunier and 20 percent Pinot Noir, all from the family's own organically farmed plots around Trigny. Being Extra Brut means it's at the drier end of the Champagne scale, yet the supple fruit and soft texture keep it rounded and generous. Red-fruit tones mingle with pear, apple and a faint floral lift. It's a fine example of Grower Champagne from a family estate fully in tune with its terroir.

Well suited to canapés and seafood - the dryness cuts cleanly while the supple fruit keeps it engaging throughout.

Nestled in the village of Trigny on the Massif de Saint-Thierry, at the northwestern end of the Montagne de Reims, Champagne Maxime Blin is a modern estate run with a nod to tradition. Since Claire and Maxime Blin took over in 2005, they've revitalised the estate, steering it towards a sustainable future. Embracing organic farming, they achieved certification in 2021. Their vineyards, a patchwork of small plots on sandy, chalky soils, yield grapes that truly express their terroir. They're exactly the type of family-run estate that enhances the reputation of Grower Champagnes.