Each month, we spotlight a different wine that’s available in our London Shop at 63 Pall Mall. For December, shop manager Edwin Dublin has selected the appropriately decadent Champagne Gosset, Grande Réserve.

Champagne Gosset, Grande Réserve, Brut

What is it?

This bottle gives you everything you’d want from a Champagne. Expertly blended Chardonnay and Pinot Noir form the majority of the wine in equal measure, with a soupçon of Meunier from mainly Grand and Premier Cru vineyards. This provenance is clear from the ample breadth in the mouth, gently framing those citrus and subtle mandarin notes, which mingle with the darker cherry fruit of the Pinot. Alongside this abundant fruit are toasty brioche notes characteristic of all Gosset Champagnes.

What’s the story behind it?

Gosset lays claim to being the oldest wine producer in Champagne, registered in 1584 in the Grand Cru Village of Aÿ. From those early days of still winemaking, they moved seamlessly into their current style as we know it, crafting a small but perfectly formed range of Champagnes. The wine comes in a bottle shape inspired by a historical bottle found in their cellars. That ever-present seam of refreshing acidity is no accident. By avoiding malolactic fermentation during production, and using relatively young reserve wines, they retain a certain nervosity alongside subtle flavours, with an ability to develop over several years. A minimum of three years ageing in their cellars allows time for more complex flavours to develop.

What should I drink it with?

Of course, this makes a wonderful apéritif but do try it with classic Champagne pairings such as langoustine or sashimi. It would also work nicely as an accompaniment to alternative courses, for example alongside poussin or Comté cheese.

Buy the Champagne Gosset, Grande Réserve here