Champagne Laithwaite 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs (magnum) NV

Customers invariably ask “What’s Blanc de Blancs Champagne and what makes it so special?” The Champagne region grows three grapes, two red – Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – and one white – Chardonnay. Blanc de Blancs is made only from Chardonnay and, as Hugh Johnson says, it therefore has “great grace and less weight than traditional Champagne”. Laithwaite’s is a tip-top example which has been expertly created for us by a superb cellar in Vertus, one of Champagne’s finest villages. This particular cuvée is 100% Premier Cru vineyard fruit and was matured for 30 months before release – double the required minimum – to ensure a luxurious, toasty, biscuit character. It’s ideal for special occasions, on its own or with smoked salmon canapés.