What

A grower family with a history in Bouzy dating to the early 1600s and bottling their own wine since the 1950s.

Where

Bouzy, Montagne de Reims; 11ha all in Bouzy.

Why

Though the estate is known for its sumptuous rosé (they made the first Rosé Spécial Club), its racy-then-pillowy white Spécial Club is a consistent winner. Generally, the wines are more fruit-expressive than other top Bouzy producers, but this doesn’t stop them from evolving beautifully in bottles.

What else

The late Paul Bara took over the family business as a teenager and was active for over 60 years before passing away in 2015. His daughter Chantale Bara runs the estate and has served as President of the Club Trésors de Champagne, which her father helped found in 1971.

Tasting Notes

Intriguing spark plug and ozone lace a somewhat pinched citrussy nose, gradually making way for darker, denser fruit and pastry, returning in a lightly smoky finish. The attack feels edgy, with glassy texture cut with sharp acid and spiky hydrocarbons but the palate opens into a softer, warmer, pear-fruited shape.

Try It With 

Dishes that utilise offal or blood sausages.

When To Drink

Main course.

Perfect For

Your champagne buff friend.

Tatler Tip

Don't serve this too cold or its yummy pinot fruit won't emerge.

TL/DR

Flinty at first, plump on the palate.

Supplier

Golden Gate Wines