2018 Paul Bara Coteaux Champenois Bouzy Rouge, Champagne

Paul Bara is one of the great grower names of Champagne, with the family farming Grand Cru vineyards in Bouzy since 1833. Today Chantal Bara continues the estate's proud tradition, crafting wines that showcase the extraordinary potential of Pinot Noir from one of Champagne's most celebrated villages.

Bouzy has long been revered for producing some of the region's finest Pinot Noir, so much so that still red wines from the village were highly prized long before sparkling Champagne came to dominate the region. Coteaux Champenois represents a return to those historic roots, with tiny quantities of still wine produced only in the finest vintages from the estate's best parcels.

The colour is a brilliant ruby red with youthful garnet reflections. Aromas of wild cherry, raspberry and red currant rise from the glass alongside notes of rose petal, forest floor and sweet spice. The palate is silky and finely detailed, offering layers of red berry fruit, subtle earthiness and gentle tannins wrapped around vibrant acidity. There is a Burgundian elegance to the wine, yet the chalk soils of Bouzy bring a distinctive mineral lift and freshness to the long savoury finish.

An exceptional partner for duck breast with cherries, roast quail, mushroom risotto or tuna tataki with sesame and soy. Rarely encountered and produced in tiny quantities, this is one of the most fascinating expressions of Pinot Noir in France and a must for lovers of both Burgundy and Champagne.