This is a seriously dry wine. Arnaud Margaine works each harvest to create freshness and a totally crisp texture, generally dismissing malolactic fermentation. It is balanced, allowing the fruitiness to shine through the tight, mineral texture from the predominant Chardonnay in the blend that comes from a mere 16-acre Montaigne de Reims vineyard surrounded by Pinot Noir. It could age through 2015 in bottle to be even better.

The NV Le Brut Premier Cru is an assemblage of normally 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir, of which 70% has undergone malolactic fermentation. The current release is based on 2013 (55%) and a reserve composed of 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2006. It displays a very clear, intense and fresh nose with golden delicious aromas. On the palate, this is a taut and refreshing though slightly grippy and austere Champagne with green apple flavors and a hint of sweetness. Still very young, but a bit rustic after all. Disgorged in January 2016.